May 12, 2017 — Gwinnett Daily Post

BRONCOS SENT HOME Brookwood loses Game 3 of baseball quarterfinal series • Sports, 1B

SHOES NOT REQUIRED, 4C

Barefoot in the Park festival returns to Buford

Gwinnett Daily Post FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

www.gwinnettdailypost.com

DOT head vouches for safety of I-85 bridge

75 cents ©2017 SCNI

Vol. 47, No. 128

LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Road to re-open Monday

BY CURT YEOMANS curt.yeomans@gwinnettdailypost.com

Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurry conceded this week that commuters are concerned about the safety of a new Interstate 85 bridge that was quickly built in Atlanta, but he insists they don’t have to fret about it.

The new bridge will re-open to commuter traffic Monday morning, ending a six-week logistical nightmare that began when a fire caused the old bridge to collapse just south of Ga. Highway 400. It’s been an unusual project in terms of how quickly state officials were able to get the bridge rebuilt.

Part of the bridge collapsed at the end of March, and officials fast tracked funding and offered millions of dollars in financial incentives to get it rebuilt and opened before Memorial Day. See BRIDGE, Page 10A

‘We’re their friends’

Lawrenceville kids enjoy snow cones with local law enforcement in front of a squad car during Pizza with Police on the Lawrenceville Lawn on Thursday evening. (Staff Photos: Cailin O’Brien)

Pizza with Police events draws families, smiles

BY CAILIN O’BRIEN

cailin.obrien@gwinnettdailypost.com

Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurry, center, talks about the planned re-opening of Interstate 85 during a press conference at the State Capitol on Wednesday as State Transportation Board Chairman Robert Brown, left, and Gov. Nathan Deal look on. (Staff Photo: Curt Yeomans)

Relay for Life expecting a standout year

BY CAILIN O’BRIEN cailin.obrien@gwinnettdailypost.com

The largest Relay for Life event in the world will return today.

“Unlike a lot of Relay events throughout the country, the Relay for Life of Gwinnett truly stands out,” according to a press release. “The Relay for Life of Gwinnett last year raised over $1.4 million for the American Cancer Society.”

This year, event planners expect Gwinnett’s Relay to outdo itself. A total of 254 teams and more than 10,000 participants are expected to flock to the Gwinnett Fairgrounds Friday to participate in the county’s 24th annual Relay.

See RELAY, Page 10A

IF YOU GO • What: 2017 Gwinnett Relay for Life • Where: Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville • Cost: Free • Time: 6 p.m. today to 6 a.m. Saturday • More info: Contact Roxanne Tigue at 770-814-0211 or at roxanne.tigue@ cancer.org or visit www.facebook.com/ RelayForLifeGwinnettGA • Transportation: Shuttles will run to the fairgrounds from Sunrise Baptist Church and the Gwinnett County Voter Registration Building from 4 p.m. today to 2 a.m. Saturday and again from 7 to 9 a.m. Saturday. Sunrise Baptist Church is located at 3000 Sugarloaf Parkway.

The Gwinnett County Voter Registrations and Elections Office is located at 455 Grayson Highway, Suite 200.

Linkon Vera, 10, stood on the Lawrenceville Lawn on Thursday wearing a bullet-proof vest and helmet as he tried to hold a metal battering ram.

“It was really heavy on my shoulders,” Vera said. “Like 400 pounds.”

Vera said he didn’t want to grow up to wear all that heavy equipment every day, but it was still his favorite part of Thursday evening’s second annual Pizza with Police, hosted by the Lawrenceville Police Department and Papa John’s.

The emergency equipment had to compete hard to become Vera’s favorite feature during this year’s event. Papa John’s gave away free slices of pepperoni and cheese pizza from a truck set up on the lawn while Blue Rooster handed out chocolate and vanilla cupcakes from a tent nearby. A steady line

Linkon Vera, 10, tries on a helmet and bulletproof vest during Pizza with Police on the Lawrenceville Lawn on Thursday.

of kids led up to Kona Ice truck across the green.

While residents munched, they clamored over a host of equipment Lawrenceville PD brought out for the event. Kids and adults listened as officers showed off the department’s mobile command center, crime

scene investigation unit and motorcycles.

“This is stuff that our citizens don’t see on a daily basis,” said Lawrenceville PD spokesman Capt. Greg Vaughn. “It gives us a chance to interact with the public and explain to them the equipment we have, because,

you know, most people have no idea what we have.”

Lawrenceville PD K-9 Officer Shawn Humphreys stayed busy helping kids in and out of a bullet proof vest and helmet.

He explained that officers wear

See PIZZA, Page 3A

Cops, religious groups try to improve relationship

BY CAILIN O’BRIEN

cailin.obrien @gwinnettdailypost.com

On Thursday afternoon, Gwinnett County became the first in metro Atlanta to launch an initiative aimed at using faith communities to heal the bond between police and the residents they protect.

“This is a very unique opportunity to unite people in an era and an hour where there’s great division,” said Rev. Markel Hutchins. “The One Congregation, One Precinct initiative we are determined to cause people to work together along our commonalities and not be divided by our differences.”

Hutchins is the chairman and CEO of MovementForward Inc. and the founder of the OneCOP initiative. He was explaining the initiative to members of about 150 religous congregations and leaders from every police precinct in Gwinnett County

level.

“If there is any institution in America that can shift the destructive discourse we see in our country today, it is the household of faith,” Hutchins said. “Around the world, there has never been a significant movement for positive change that is not anchored in faith.”

Hutchins was careful to explain that this initiative isn’t about community churches evangelizing or trying to push their faith on anyone. Rather, it was about using their presence in the community to facilitate necessary discussions between officers Sheriff Butch Conway said he’s excited to see the OneCOP ini- and residents. tiative come to Gwinnett during a luncheon Thursday afternoon.

The idea, Hutchins said, is to (Staff Photo: Cailin O’Brien) create an open dialogue to trump both hate and fear on both sides of the equation. during a launch luncheon at the a short-term project “aimed at “We won’t see an end to 550 Trackside Event Facility in engaging faith leaders in solving Lawrenceville. those specific crimes,” according tensions between the police and The program began in 2009 to a press release. Over time, the our communities because we stand in our individual corners after a string of high-profile initiative saw a long-term need violent crimes in Atlanta. At to pair faith leaders with law See ONECOP, Page 10A the time, OneCOP was seen as enforcement at the community

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INSIDE Classified .......7B

Horoscope .....4A

Nation ........... 5A

Sports ............1B

Comics...........7A

Local ............. 2A

Obituaries ......8A

Weather .........4A

Crossword .....7A

Lottery........... 4A

Perspectives ..6A

Weekend........1C

Stay connected with the Daily Post online, where you can submit news tips, browse photo galleries and sign up to receive headlines digitally at gwinnettdailypost.com/newsletter.

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2A • FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

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Shiloh Middle School earns IB certification

BY KEITH FARNER

a three-year Middle Years Programme. IB World Schools feature programs of international education Shiloh Middle School that its staff describes as recently received validadeveloping the intellection that was three years tual, personal, emotional in the making. and social skills needed The school is certified to live, learn and work in as an International Bacca- a globalizing world. laureate World School for “The IB program is

a tremendous teaching tool and that will help prepare our students for our rapidly changing world,” Shiloh Principal Eli Welch said in a press release, and added that staff worked on research, training and planning for three years.

IB is a nonprofit educa-

keith.farner @gwinnettdailypost.com

tion foundation that aims to encourage students of all ages to think critically and challenge assumptions developed independently of government and national systems, incorporating quality practice from research and its global community of schools. It also encour-

ages students to consider local and global contexts and develop multilingual students.

Schools must be authorized by the IB organization to offer any of its programs. So the organization works with schools, governments and international

organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment.

They encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

Second Discovery HS student in a Sewage spills near week faces battery charge after fight Peachtree Elem.

BY KEITH FARNER

described in a report by keith.farner the SRO showed one @gwinnettdailypost.com student standing over another one and telling For the second time this him “that he better give week, administrators and him a dollar for a piece of a school resource officer candy he took from him,” at Discovery High School according to a Gwinnett have investigated a fight County School Police that led to a criminal report. charge of battery. This “(The victim) kept time it was over candy. telling (the offender) that The latest incident he did not have a dollar happened Wednesday (and the offender) made afternoon when an asthe comment that he was sistant principal called an going to hit (the victim) if SRO to his office to look he didn’t give him a dolinto a fight between two lar. (The offender) started students. to become more and more A video of the incident aggressive before finally

punching (the victim) numerous times in the head and body.”

In the heavily redacted report, the SRO wrote that the offending student kneed and kicked the victim while he was curled up in a ball.

Both students are facing charges, Gwinnett County Public Schools spokeswoman Sloan Roach said. One is being charged with battery, and the other for taking the candy.

Wednesday’s incident follows a separate and unrelated string of

REMNANT *CLEAR-OUT*

altercations with two other students that began last week, including one that also led to a battery charge. Those events ranged from one student touching another student’s food during lunch, to a violent fight in a boys locker room. Multiple videos documented those events.

In a letter written Thursday to the community by Principal Gene Taylor, the events were described as “atypical.”

“I want to reassure you that this type of behavior has not and will not be tolerated at Discovery High School,” Taylor wrote. “… Additionally, those students who have encouraged these fights by filming them have been disciplined for the role they have played, according to district and school policy.”

Taylor added that he’s proud of students who do the right thing every day and are achieving in every area at the school.

“It is unfortunate that the misbehavior of just a few students could possibly overshadow the fact that the vast majority of Discovery High School students follow the rules and never have any discipline issues throughout their entire school history,” Taylor wrote.

BY CURT YEOMANS

smell the spill as they enter and exited that end of the neighborhood.

Neighborhood residents Blame nature for this weren’t the only people one. who could have gotten a The erosion of a stream whiff of the mess though. bank caused a sewage spill That entrance is across Jay to occur on a gravity main Bird Alley from Peachtree at 3564 Corners Way in Elementary School, meanPeachtree Corners on Tues- ing students may have been day, according to Gwinnett able to smell it as well.

Shields said the water County Department of Water Resources spokeswom- department was contacted about the spill at 10:04 an Karen Shields. About a.m., and had stopped it at 4,962 gallons of sewage about 11:25 a.m. spilled into a tributary of County crews posted Crooked Creek because of signs in the neighborhood the incident.

The spill happened near to let residents know what happened, and department an entrance to the Dunofficials reported it to the woody Manor neighborGeorgia Environmental hood on Jay Bird Alley, Protection Division. meaning residents got to

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

Registration open for Run the Rails race

BY CAILIN O’BRIEN

cailin.obrien @gwinnettdailypost.com

Get ready to chug along in Buford, runners.

The 30th Annual Historic Run the Rails race will take place May 20 at the amphitheater in Downtown Buford. The 5K run will begin at 7:30 a.m., and the 10K will begin at 7:45 a.m.

Run the Rails is a 2018 Peachtree qualifier.

Runners can register at

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CITY OF BUFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR FY2018 $

$

22,000,000.00 1,500,000.00 75,000.00 21,763,797.00 30,000.00 260,000.00 45,628,797.00

48.22% 3.29% 0.16% 47.70% 0.07% 0.57%

Expenditures Instruction Pupil Services Staff Development Media Services Central Administration School Administration Business Administration Maintenance & Operations Transportation Community Services

$

$ $ $

7,800,000.00 45,628,797.00 48,321,503.00 5,107,294.00

Public budget hearing is scheduled for May 22, 2016 at 7:00 pm at the Central Office.

32,858,622.00 1,932,860.00 483,215.00 483,215.00 2,899,290.00 3,382,505.00 483,215.00 3,865,720.00 1,449,645.00 483,215.00 48,321,503.00

68.00% 4.00% 1.00% 1.00% 6.00% 7.00% 1.00% 8.00% 3.00% 1.00%

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Buford to host Book Mobile keith.farner @gwinnettdailypost.com

$ 00 EA. No MEasuring Revenue: Local City Appropriations Tuition Other Local QBE (State Revenue) State Grants Childcare Revenue

the race beginning at 6:30 a.m., but must be finished registering by 7:15 a.m.

Participants can also register online at http://bit. ly/2pE7AC2. Registration costs $30 The event will cap at 500 runners.

Pre-race pickup will take place from noon to 3 p.m. today at Fleet Feet, located at 145 N. Peachtree St. in Lawrenceville and at Buford Youth Sports Complex at 2750 Sawnee Ave. in Buford.

A ribbon-cutting to celebrate a new book mobile in Gwinnett is set for 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Barnes and Noble store at the Mall of Georgia.

The ribbon-cutting is part of a weekend of events at the Barnes and Noble location in Buford, including performances by school groups from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and tours of the Book Mobile from noon to 2:30 p.m.

A percentage of all purchases at the three Barnes and Noble locations in Gwinnett (Buford, Norcross and Snellville) on May 13 and 14 will be donated to buy books for the Gwinnett County Public Schools Book Mobile.

The Book Mobile can also be supported through online purchases at bn.com/bookfairs from May 13 to 19. Use Bookfair ID 12128344 at checkout.

This summer, the Book Mobile will travel a 35-stop route in the Meadowcreek cluster each week, checking out school library books to students who may not have easy access to the public library.

Next school year, local schools will be able to book the bus as a part of their reading rewards program. During the year, the book mobile will be stocked with new books purchased with donations or provided by sponsors that can be provided to students as a reward.

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017 • 3A

gwinnettdailypost.com

Train Day to be held Boggs Road post office Saturday at Vines Park to host food drive kickoff

BY KEITH FARNER

BY CURT YEOMANS

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

The Vines Garden Railroad may not be as famous as the Orient Express, but Gwinnett County officials believe it’ll be a good draw for the public nonetheless.

Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation’s Vines Park will host Train Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The event is part of the county’s Older Americans Month celebrations and kicks off displays of the Vines Garden Railroad, which will roll out for the public twice a month throughout the summer.

“Volunteer engineers will be holding information sessions on trains and the model train hobby as well as demonstrating the outdoor garden railroad at

The Vines Garden Railroad will be featured at Vines Park on Saturday when Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation hosts Train Day. (Special Photo)

the largest garden railroad in the Southeast on display at Vines Park,” officials said in a statement.

The Vines Garden Railroad will be operated from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the second and fourth Saturdays of each month through Sept. 9.

The outdoor garden G-scale railroad includes 1,000 feet of track, a 25-foot suspension bridge, tunnels, a viaduct, an airport, towns and villages.

The park is located at 3500 Oak Grove Road in Loganville.

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joyed the look on both kids’ and parents’ faces when he the equipment when they’re brought out his K-9 partner in a dangerous situation that Ali for a demonstration at 7 could involve weapons. p.m. and again at 7:45 p.m.

Vera’s estimate that the Lawrenceville PD’s two K-9 equipment weighed 400 dogs demonstrated biting pounds was “a little off,” by attacking a protective Humphreys said. Actually, cushion on Humphreys arm. officers are wearing about They also found drugs the 50 or 60 pounds when police had hidden in a Mini they’re “fully geared up.”

Cooper belonging to HumHumphreys said he enjoyed phrey’s wife. spending the evening ex“It was awesome,” said plaining that to the curious Rocky Barns, 9. residents who wandered by.

Barns was eating a shaved “You know what? In all ice while he watched the honesty, this is one of my dog on Thursday. He needed favorite things,” he said. “I it. That evening felt like wish we could do this more summer on the Lawrencevoften. I really do.” ille Lawn and most residents Humphreys loved watch- wore shorts and t-shirts. But ing the kids trying on his the officers stayed out all equipment, but he loved evening dressed in uniform. looking at the adults even And none of them seemed more. to mind.Vaughn said the en“Look at their parents,” tire department has looked he said. “They love this as forward to Pizza with Police much as the kids do.” all year long.

Humphreys especially en“It makes us feel good,”

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will hear an attorney’s report, schedule a date to hold a hearing on the complaint and then deal with “preliminary matters to be addressed with complainant’s counsel.”

The Ethics Board’s decision will be a recommendation for whatever action it feels the Board of Commissioners should take against Hunter. County Attorney Bill Linkous has previously told the commission that state law prohibits it from removing or suspending Hunter from office, meaning the harshest punishment he could face is a written reprimand or censure.

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determine what if anything would cause him to either accidentally shoot himself or on purpose,” Smith said in an email. “We still have many things to look through. It’s been a Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith said a very tragic incident for us to investigate.” boy who was life-flighted to Egleston HospiAn initial statement from the Sheriff’s tal suffering from a gunshot wound in a Office in Wednesday said police arrived at Winder home on Wednesday has died. the house at 2556 Avalon Court in Winder The incident is still under investigation. at about 4:38 p.m., and that the boy was lifeSmith said the gun had been kept in a secure flighted to Egleston Hospital for treatment. location, but the boy — whose name is not Smith said the boy, who has been identibeing released by the sheriff’s office yet — fied as 9-year old in some media reports, somehow retrieved it when he got home died late Wednesday at the hospital. The from school. sheriff said charges have not yet been filed.

“Investigators are still interviewing It remains to be seen if any charges will be students teachers and friends to try and filed.

cailin.obrien@gwinnettdailypost.com curt.yeomans@gwinnettdailypost.com

the board, which was created specially to The panel that is handling handle the an ethics complaint against complaint Gwinnett County Commisagainst sioner Tommy Hunter over Hunter.

Tommy controversial comments Atlanta Hunter he made on Facebook will resident meet today to decide when Nancie Turner’s complaint it will hold a hearing on the against Hunter alleges he matter. violated the county’s ethics The Ethics Board’s meet- policy in several Facebook ing is scheduled to take posts, including ones that place at 10 a.m. in Confercalled U.S. Rep. John Lewis ence Room A at the Gwina “racist pig” and referred to nett Justice and AdminisDemocrats as “Demonrats” tration Center, 75 Langley and “Libtards.”

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BY CURT YEOMANS

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special bags to be used to hold donations. Donors can use their own bags, too.

Food collected will be delivered to local community food banks and food pantries for distribution.

A brief ceremony to announce NALC Food Drive Day in the State of Georgia will be held at 10 a.m. today in front of the Boggs Road Postal Store at 1605 Boggs Road in Duluth. The public is invited to attend.

Hunter panel to convene today

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collected nearly 80 million pounds of non-perishable food, which brought the total to more than 1.5 billion The National Associapounds. More than 290,000 tion of Letter Carriers on pounds were collected in Saturday will conduct its metro Atlanta last year.

25th annual Stamp Out To donate, people should Hunger! Food Drive, which leave non-perishable food organizers have called the items in a bag near their nation’s largest single-day mailboxes on Saturday food drive. before letter carriers deliver.

Last year, with the help of In the days leading up to the thousands of volunteers, let- food drive, letter carriers ter carriers across America were expected to deliver

keith.farner @gwinnettdailypost.com

he said. “It really does, because you see all these people and just see the support we’re getting. It’s great.

It’s overwhelming, really.”

He said he hoped the event left the public with some warm, fuzzy feelings, too.

“We want everybody — and especially the kids, you’ve got to start with the young kids — we want them to know that we’re their friends,” Vaughn said.

“If anything happens, they can come to us at any time if there’s a problem or anything. We want them to feel that way.”

Vaughn and the rest of Lawrenceville PD reached at least one young resident Thursday. Linkon said he had an understanding of what police officers were all about after Pizza with Police.

“They help people,” Vera said.

4A • Friday, May 12, 2017 To Your Good Health

gwinnettdailypost.com

today

80%

Keith Roach

Duration of therapy depends on blood clot DEAR DR. ROACH: I had a blood clot in my lower leg. I was told that the clot moved to my lung. I had only a little pain in my leg, then some shortness of breath. The urgent-care office went crazy, telling me that I could die, and it scared me. They put me in an ambulance and rushed me to the emergency room, where they watched me for hours and couldn’t find anything wrong. They told me to see my family doctor. All he did was put a prescription in my hand for a drug that costs $300 a month. I took it for a month. I have not been on a blood thinner now for two years. I am on a good diet, work out and drink plenty of water. Do you think that somebody who had one blood clot should be on medication for the rest of their life? I am 55 years old and in pretty good health.

— S.D. ANSWER: Blood clots in the leg can cause symptoms of leg pain and swelling, but the worrisome part is that they can break off and travel to the lung, where they are life-threatening. Treatment usually is injection medication for five days or so, followed by several months of an oral anticoagulant (some of which are very expensive).

How long people stay on therapy depends on why they got the clot in the first place and how dangerous it was. Someone with a clear risk factor, like surgery or prolonged air travel, needs a shorter duration of treatment than someone without a clear reason. Someone with a reason that can’t be reversed (say, a genetic condition) or with multiple or life-threatening clots (such as those that go to the lung and cause changes in blood flow to the lung) are usually recommended for lifelong treatment. Treatment shouldn’t be stopped lightly or without the knowledge of your doctor.

Unfortunately, I don’t have enough information to say whether you should have been on more prolonged treatment.

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HOroscopes

weather watch

84

saturday

sunday

monday

tuesday

wednesday

thursday

80%

10%

10%

0%

0%

0%

77

82

86

90

91

91

55

61

59

61

solunar tables The Gwinnett Daily Post (UPSP 921-980, ISSN 10860096) is published Wednesday, Friday and Sunday by SCNI, 725 Old Norcross Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30045. Periodical postage paid at Lawrenceville, GA 30044. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gwinnett Daily Post, P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046-0603.

The solunar tables for lakes are based on studies that show fish and game are more active at certain times during the lunar period.

Major

2:39-4:39 a.m.............3:03-5:03 p.m.

Minor

8:04-9:04 a.m......... 10:02-11:02 p.m.

pollen counts Trees: None Weeds: None Grass: Very high

Lake

64

67

67

lake levels

Full Yesterday

Lake

Allatoona (840.0) .......... 840.2

Full Yesterday

Lanier

(1071.0) .........1063.2

Blackshear (237.0) .......... 236.9

Nottely

(1779.0) .........1772.2

Blue Ridge (1690.0) .........1683.2

Oconee

(435.0) .......... 434.9

Burton

(1865.0) .........1865.5

Seminole (77.50)..............76.8

Carters

(1072.0) ......... 1074.5

Sinclair

Chatuge

(1927.0) .........1924.5

Thurmond (330.0) .......... 322.3

(339.8) .......... 339.0

Harding

(521.0) ...........519.7

Tugalo

Hartwell

(660.0) .......... 652.9

Walter F. George (188.0)......189.1

(891.5) .......... 888.5

Jackson

(530.0) .......... 528.6

West Point (635.0) .......... 632.9

today in history

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TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1780, British forces took Charleston, South Carolina, during the Revolutionary War. In 1937, King George VI of the United Kingdom and Elizabeth, the future queen mother, were crowned at a ceremony in Westminster Abbey.

In 1949, the Soviet Union lifted its blockade of Berlin.

In 2002, Jimmy Carter became the first former or sitting U.S. president to visit Cuba since the 1959 revolution led

by Fidel Castro.

In 2008, a magnitude-8.0 earthquake struck in Sichuan province, China, leaving more than 69,000 people dead, 18,000 missing and 4.8 million homeless.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Edward Lear (1812-1888), painter/poet; Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), nurse; Katharine Hepburn (1907-2003), actress; Yogi

Berra (1925-2015), baseball player/ manager; Burt Bacharach (1928- ), composer; George Carlin (1937-2008), comedian; Gabriel Byrne (1950- ), actor; Ving Rhames (1959- ), actor; Tony Hawk (1968- ), skateboarder; Catherine Tate (1968- ), actress; Malin Akerman (1978- ), actress; Jason Biggs (1978- ), actor; Domhnall Gleeson (1983- ), actor.

TODAY’S FACT: South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union, in 1860, and was readmitted in 1868.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 2008, Cleveland Indians second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera turned the 14th unassisted triple play in Major League Baseball history.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “Most people work just hard enough not to get fired and get paid just enough money not to quit.” — George Carlin, “Brain Droppings”

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Betrayed wife walks the road to recovery Dear Amy: A few months ago, my husband of 30 years told me he was in love with a friend of ours and that he planned to spend the rest of his life with her.

He moved in with her shortly after he shared this news, and we have begun moving toward divorce.

My husband somehow thought that we’d all remain friends … and was surprised that I was not happy about his newfound love.

I’m wondering how he could be so delusional (because I know if the circumstances were reversed, he’d be crazy-jealous).

What I would like help with from you — and your readers — is to share the best things that helped them through the insanity of a situation such as this.

I’m getting exercise, have reached out to friends, am on an antidepressant, am seeing a counselor and have begun journaling. What else can I do to take care of myself and move on?

—K Dear K: When I went through something similar in my own life, I self-medicated with cigarettes and wine coolers, developed chronic insomnia, went on a dating and eating binge and developed a furious lump of coal heart-hate toward my ex, while still being more or less in love with him.

So — journaling?

Friends? Exercise? Counseling? You’re good.

other.

I’m sure readers will be happy to help. I’ll run responses in future columns.

Dear Amy: My brother-in-law is a commercial pilot who gets a number of free passes each year.

He and my sister find Amy Dickinson it too hard to fly as a family on standby, so the The one thing you passes go unused. I like to might rethink is the travel solo, and I have two antidepressants. Are you direct-flight trips I would depressed? If so, definitely like to take. take medication. If you’re My sister, however, has sad and angry, take a told the family not to ask chance and feel your feel- for a pass because it’s ings, full-on. stressful for her husband Your feelings belong to to monitor the flight you. You won’t recover loads, etc. until you own and beHe does tend to “overfriend them. Add some involve” himself in sloppy listening sessions anything that’s going on, of Joni Mitchell’s “Blue.” but he has never told me Consider toilet papering himself that I can’t ask for your ex’s love nest (I said a pass. It seems a waste consider it, don’t actuto let these free flights go ally do it). Fall into your unused when I would like friendships. Spend time to fly to research a project in nature. Volunteer at I’m working on. your local animal shelter.

Do you see a way I Watch “Singing in the could approach this with Rain.” Rinse. Repeat. him directly (and risk The news is all-good for annoying my sister), or your recovery and your should I leave it alone? future. No matter what — Free Bird else happens, you get to Dear Free Bird: If be with you for the rest you decide to willfully igof your life. Nurture the nore your sister’s reasonbeautiful relationship you able and understandable have with yourself, and boundary, then you should you’ll never feel alone. contact your brother-inOver time, you may law on your own behalf, feel compassion for your making a simple and poor, deluded and posrespectful “ask,” and unsibly “menopausal” ex. derstanding that when you And you will forgive him. do so, you run the risk of And eventually, you won’t seeming like an entitled really care one way or the family fence jumper.

Ask Amy

Your brother-in-law might be happy to help you, or reluctantly willing to help you, or he may tell you he donates his passes to a charity that makes it possible for family members to visit wounded servicemen and women in military hospitals. He may ignore you, or simply ask you to go away and then complain to your sister.

No matter what, you should graciously thank him for considering your request and express gratitude for his involvement in your family’s life.

Dear Amy: Your answer to “Recovered,” the lady who didn’t want to go to her friend’s filthy house, wasn’t sufficient.

This friend kept birds, and the birds are suffering in the filth, too. Recovered should say, “I love seeing you, but I got horribly sick from a bacterial infection at your house. It’s filthy. For the sake of you and your birds, I’ll visit again when it’s all cleaned up. Until then, let’s meet elsewhere.”

— Bird Lover Dear Bird Lover: Thank you for your nononsense response.

You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson. com. Readers may send postal mail to Amy Dickinson, c/o Tribune Content Agency, LLC., 16650 Westgrove Drive, Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001.

You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or “like” her on Facebook.

Sign up to get Gwinnett Daily Post breaking news alerts and daily newsletters at www.gwinnettdailypost.com/newsletters.

Make a focused effort to simplify your life.

Ease stress and put any pending problems to rest. Once you clear the way, you will be open to doing the things that bring you the most joy.

Follow your heart to stabilize your life personally and professionally.

TAURUS (April 20May 20) — Talks and travel will lead to discovery. Don’t feel that you must start something on a large scale.

Baby steps will lead to long-term stability and satisfaction.

GEMINI (May 21June 20) — Socializing should be scheduled.

Getting together with friends or taking part in a challenge will spark an entertaining and informative discussion with someone who has plenty to disclose.

CANCER (June 21July 22) — Dig in and get things done. Channel your energy and enthusiasm into helping a cause or the people who mean the most to you. A change in lifestyle will boost your morale.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — A trip or gathering should be planned.

You’ll shine if you speak up at events. Sharing your thoughts will motivate yourself and others and will add to your popularity. Love is highlighted.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) — Anxiety will turn into anger if you let situations fester. Be honest about the way you feel and what you want to see happen to make life better.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23) — You’ve got a handle on whatever comes your way. Indulge in talks and bring about the changes you want to see transpire. Travel and romance are highlighted.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Tie up loose ends at work and prepare to walk away with a clear conscience.

Spend time doing something that brings you joy or inspires you to make personal changes.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — The temperature is rising when it comes to romance.

Don’t sit back when you should be putting your feelings on the line and making plans to enjoy the company of someone special.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Take a greater interest in your personal relationships.

Striving to keep things equal will be more difficult than anticipated. If you ask for suggestions, you’ll know where you stand.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) — You’ll enjoy the comforts of home and family. Plan to host a party or make special plans for you and a loved one to spend some alone time. Your playful attitude will be irresistible.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Emotional confusion will lead to trouble. Don’t make assumptions or get angry without just cause.

Dig deep and find out what you need to know before you say something you’ll regret.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — A partnership looks promising.

You stand to make financial and emotional gains if you change your living arrangements or negotiate a new contract.

Friday, May 12, 2017 • 5A

gwinnettdailypost.com

world&nation world Women make up half of Macron’s candidates

Harris: Comey firing not normal California Sen. Kamala Harris criticized the Trump administration at length over the FBI director’s James Comey firing and said the situation was essentially unheard of. (Office of CA Attorney General)

By Eli Watkins CNN

California Sen. Kamala Harris on Thursday criticized the Trump administration at length over the FBI director’s firing and said the situation was essentially unheard of.

“There’s nothing about any of this that is normal,” the freshman Democrat said on CNN’s “The Lead with Jake Tapper.”

Harris said Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein’s memo did not provide a real case for President Donald Trump firing FBI Director James Comey.

“If someone gave me that memo as a basis for firing the chief investigator of a case, I would say send it back and start again,” Harris said.

She said an effective memo would have to have more substance as well as cite case law and Department of Justice S. Korea’s leader regulations. questions deal on As for Rosenstein’s wartime sex slaves boss, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Harris New South Korean Presi- repeated her call that he dent Moon Jae-in has cast should step down. doubt on a landmark deal “I think Jeff Sessions with Japan over wartime sex should resign,” Harslaves. ris said. “There is good “The reality is the majori- reason to believe that he ty of our people cannot emo- was not truthful when he tionally accept the comfort women agreement,” Moon told Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Thursday.

Moon emphasized “the New Orleans two sides should work together based on underbegins removing standing of the emotions and Confederate reality of the people,” according to a statement from monument As police stood bethe presidential office.

However, he was clear tween opposing crowds, that he thought the issue a crew lifted a statue shouldn’t affect the wider of former Confederate South Korea-Japan relation- President Jefferson Davis ship, saying the two counfrom its pedestal before tries should deal with the dawn Thursday in New “comfort women” dispute Orleans — the latest in a and “work independently in contentious plan to disorder to respond to the North mantle four Confederate Korean nuclear and missiles monuments in the city. issues.”

The statue, which The issue of so-called stood for 106 years, is “comfort women” has the second Confederate caused rifts between the monument to come down two countries for decades. after the New Orleans An agreement signed by the City Council voted to regovernments of South Korea move the four landmarks and Tokyo in 2015 was in 2015. After years of intended to settle the matter, heated public debate and but victims’ groups objected legal battles, recent court to it and the issue remains decisions paved the way highly controversial. for the city to relocate the four monuments.

Dozens of people — a Russian playing crowd opposed to the PokemonGo in monument’s removal as church convicted well as those backing it — gathered early ThursRuslan Sokolovsky day at the Davis statue fought the law — and the before the operation law won. began, at times screaming The popular Russian You- insults and threats at each Tuber was convicted Thurs- other. Police separated day for insulting religious the sides with barriers. believers and inciting hatred As the statue was lifted after he filmed a Pokemon shortly after 6 a.m., those Go video in a church. who wanted it removed Prosecutors had asked for cheered and sang the a prison sentence of 3 1/2 chorus from “Na Na Hey years, Russian news agency Hey Kiss Him Goodbye.”

TASS reported. Sokolovsky, One person held a sign 22, said he was relieved to that read, “Bout Time.” get a suspended sentence The monument’s supportfor the same period. ers at that point watched In his video, Sokolovsky mostly in silence, some explains that he decided to holding up Confederate film in the church after see- banners. ing a news report threatening legal implications for Arkansas deputy doing so. He recorded it in August, when the augment- among 3 dead ed reality game became a A sheriff’s deputy in global phenomenon. western Arkansas was fa— From wire reports tally shot Thursday mornThe party of French President-elect Emmanuel Macron has unveiled the names of more than 400 candidates for the June legislative elections — and half of them are women.

At 39, Macron will be sworn in on Sunday as the youngest president in France’s history, and he has promised to breathe new life into French politics and the country’s sluggish economy.

Macron’s is now looking to get his fledgling La Republique En Marche party a strong presence in Parliament to push through his legislative agenda.

On Thursday, En Marche secretary general Richard Ferrand announced that 214 men and 214 women had been selected to run for the party — and added that 52 percent of the candidates had never held electoral office.

testified before Congress. … Then just in the last 48 hours that he would sign off on firing the person who is investigating the case he’s recused from calls into question his objectivity and his ability to keep his word.”

Harris had previously called for Sessions’ resignation following reports that he had met with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak last year.

Sessions said he would recuse himself from all matters relating to the 2016 campaign, although he joined Rosenstein in recommending Trump fire Comey.

Comey announced

publicly in March that the FBI was investigating potential collusion between Russia and Trump associates. Harris is a member of the intelligence committee, which also has an ongoing investigation into the matter.

Harris said Comey’s firing was connected to that investigation and called for a special prosecutor or independent commission with subpoena power to head the executive branch’s criminal inquiry.

“If we connect the dots, there is a nexus between the Russia investigation and the firing of Comey,” Harris said.

nation

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu took photographs of the Jefferson Davis statue being removed from its pedestal overnight. The Davis statue was the second of the four monuments to be removed in the Crescent City. The monument commemorating the Battle of Liberty Place was removed April 24. (Photo: New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu)

ing during a traffic stop, at least two other people were found dead outside a rural home nearby, and police were trying to persuade a suspect to surrender, Arkansas State Police said.

The suspect was taking shelter in a home about 5 miles southwest of the small city of Dardanelle, state police spokesman Bill Sadler said.

It appears, at least preliminarily, that the deaths of the Yell County sheriff’s deputy and the two other victims are connected, Sadler said.

The deputy, whose name wasn’t immediately released, was on his way to check a disturbance call on rural Gum Springs Road when he pulled someone over at a nearby intersection shortly after 8:15 a.m., Sadler said.

Sadler said “it is believed at this moment” there was information about a suspect vehicle involved in the disturbance, leading the officer to make the traffic stop.

Someone shot and killed the deputy during that traffic stop at State Highway 27 and Slo Fork Road,

Sadler said.

Trump to launch voter fraud panel President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday forming a commission on voter fraud and elections, an action that Trump has discussed since the beginning of his administration.

The goal of the new commission is to investigate the President’s unfounded claims that three to five million people voted illegally for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election — similar to the margin of Clinton’s popular vote victory over Trump.

“In addition to winning the Electoral College in a landslide, I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally,” he tweeted in late November.

It will be spearheaded

by Vice President Mike Pence and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach.

Kobach, who helped on the Trump transi-

people W.H.: Removing Comey will help Mormon church is pulling older bring end to teens from Boy investigation

Scouts’ programs

By Kevin Liptak CNN

The White House said Thursday that removing FBI Director James Comey from his post may hasten the agency’s investigation into Russian meddling.

“We want this to come to its conclusion, we want it to come to its conclusion with integrity,” said deputy press secretary Sarah Sanders, referring to the FBI’s probe into Moscow’s interference in last year’s election. “And we think that we’ve actually, by removing Director Comey, taken steps to make that happen.”

The statement was a surprising admission from the White House that Comey’s sudden dismissal on Tuesday may have an effect on the Russia probe.

Officials have insisted the removal came because of Comey’s handling of an investigation into Hillary Clinton’s email server, and was unrelated to his oversight of the look into Russia’s election hacking and possible ties between Trump advisers and Russian operatives.

The Mormon church says older teens in the U.S. and Canada will no longer take part in Boy Scouts programs, starting next year.

The announcement, made Thursday, is a significant one. The church and the Boy Scouts of America have had a relationship for more than a century. It was the first partner to sponsor Scouting in the U.S. and to this day, remains the nation’s largest sponsor.

Approximately 330,000 Mormon youths are served by the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts program today.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints didn’t give a reason why it will withdraw boys, ages 14 to 18, from two key Boy Scouts programs next year.

‘House of Cards’ stars: Show can’t out-‘crazy’ Trump

If you thought the presidency of Frank Underwood on Netflix’s “House of Cards” seemed over-the-top, stars Neve Campbell and Michael Kelly say think again.

“The madness that’s happening with this current administration … people are going to watch ‘House of Cards’ and go, ‘that’s not so crazy,’” Kelly told CNN in a tion team, is a lightning recent interview. rod for critics who have “This is insane what’s accused him of extreme racism and having ties to happening in the real world,” said Kelly, who plays White white nationalists.

House chief of staff Doug Stamper on the show. “This School bus is crazy town right now. It’s crashes near disturbing. We’ve always St. Louis, injuring been a country, except for in at least 13 people television, that has someone who can represent the AmeriA school bus crashed can people with knowledge Thursday morning into and respect and proper decoa trench off Interstate 44 rum. This is the first time that we’ve not had that and that’s near St. Louis after its driver swerved to avoid a incredibly troubling.”

The upcoming fifth season careening vehicle, injuring at least 12 elementary of “House of Cards” was filmed during the run-up to school children and the the November presidential driver, officials said. election. Campbell, who Most of the injuries plays political consultant were minor, and none Leann Harvey, said even was believed to be lifewith the show’s notoriously threatening, Missouri dramatic twists, it was hard Highway Patrol Sgt. Al Nothum told CNN affili- to turn away from actual political news during the ate KTVI-TV. season’s production.

One child was ejected out the back emergency door but appeared to have M, F, X: Oregon suffered little more than sprains and cuts and was could offer third talking while being taken gender option to a hospital, Nothum on state IDs said.

Oregon may soon become Emergency workers helped the trapped driver the first state in the nation to offer a third gender option out of the bus, Nothum on its state IDs — an acsaid. The driver suffered knowledgment that validates some cuts at minimum, transgender identities. he said.

As of now, someone “The bus driver, we’ve seeking, say, a drivers’ got to give her credit … she kept that bus upright. licenses in the state has two options to pick from when … She did some good it comes to stating sex: male driving here,” Nothum or female. told KTVI. The third option — a Aerial video from non-binary gender — will KTVI showed adults be reflected with an X. comforting some of the The bill passed the state schoolchildren, who legislature and is headed to had been bound for the governor’s desk.

Hanna Woods ElemenUpdating personal docutary School in Ballwin, ments to reflect name and Mo., near a guardrail gender changes is critical just feet from the crash site. Emergency vehicles to reducing discrimination, Basic Rights Oregon said in blocked two of the four a statement. About 20,000 westbound lanes, slowOregonians identify theming traffic for part of the selves as transgender. morning.

— From wire reports — From wire reports

CDC: Teen student drinking declines, but 1 in 6 binge drink

By Robert Jimison CNN

When teens drink alcohol, they sometimes down eight or more drinks in a short period, according to a new U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released Thursday. This happens in spite of overall progress in curbing teen drinking.

From 1991 through 2015, current drinking and binge drinking

from a public health standpoint in reducing current and binge drinking among high school students, declined significantly among U.S. but we still have a lot of work to high school students, according to do,” said study author Dr. Robert the CDC report. The findings are Brewer, director of the excessive based on the national Youth Risk alcohol use prevention team at the Behavior survey, which captures CDC. That progress may be the trends among high school students. result of tougher ID laws, and a For the study, current drinking is crackdown on drunk driving. defined as having a drink in the last However, in 2015, about one in 30 days. three high school students reported “We have made some progress drinking alcohol during the 30 days

Must read

before they were surveyed and one in six reported binge drinking.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration to 0.08 percent or above. This typically happens when men consume five or more drinks, and when women consume four or more drinks in about two hours.

The report also stated that many

students who binge drink do so at a high intensity. More than two in five binge drinkers consumed eight or more drinks in a row.

Heavy drinking at that level could produce blood alcohol levels four to five times the legal limit, a figure calculated for adults. Students dramatically increase their chance of alcohol poisoning, serious injury or death when drinking at these escalated rates, according to Brewer.

perspectives

gwinnettdailypost.com

Todd Cline, Editor

todd.cline@gwinnettdailypost.com

Page 6 A • Friday, May 12, 2017

If Trump has nothing to hide, then why so much secrecy?

WASHINGTON — Possible collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign was once little more than a conspiracy theory, but not anymore.

The only way to make sense of this week’s stunning events is to conclude there is something that President Trump desperately wants to hide.

The party-line explanation of why Trump fired FBI Director James Comey — that it was all about the way Comey handled the probe of Hillary Clinton’s emails — crumbled within hours. Press secretary Sean Spicer comically ducked behind shrubbery on the White House grounds, hiding from television cameras, to give reporters a confused and disjointed account of the dismissal. Efforts to blame the whole thing on Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein ceased after Rosenstein reportedly Eugene threatened to resign.

Robinson Well-sourced reports in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and other news outlets agreed on a very different explanation: Trump had grown increasingly angry at the doggedness with which Comey’s FBI was investigating how and why Russia meddled in the election. The president decided to fire Comey, then had Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Rosenstein come up with a rationale.

If this were a criminal trial, prosecutors would allege that the president was displaying “consciousness of guilt” — that he was acting in a way no innocent person would act. Indeed, the only other president to try to head off an investigation by firing the chief investigator was Richard Nixon.

Of course, Trump is not accused of anything at this point. And it may be just a coincidence that on Wednesday, a day after firing Comey, the president met in the Oval Office with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. Photographers from the White House press corps were barred from the meeting, but one who works for the Russian news agency Tass was allowed in. Perhaps Trump only thinks of U.S. journalists as “the enemy.”

I do believe in coincidences, up to a point. And I know that conspiracy theories usually turn out to be wrong. But I can see no explanation for Trump’s bizarre attitude toward the allegations of Russian meddling other than a desire to conceal something.

For months, Trump dismissed the conclusion of the U.S. intelligence community that Russia was ultimately responsible for hacking into computer systems and email accounts associated with the Democratic Party, then leaking information that was damaging to Hillary Clinton’s campaign.

Trump named Michael Flynn — a controversial figure, partly because of his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin — as his national security adviser. And when Sally Yates, then serving as acting attorney general, told the White House that Flynn had lied when he denied discussing U.S. sanctions with Kislyak, and thus could be vulnerable to Russian blackmail, Trump waited 18 days to fire him. The president acted only after Flynn’s deception became public knowledge.

And Flynn had been a prominent Trump adviser during the campaign. Experts say he may potentially be in legal jeopardy, which makes him someone an aggressive investigator such as Comey would likely squeeze for information about others.

During the campaign, Sessions, who was then a U.S. senator, and Trump foreign policy adviser Carter Page also met with Kislyak — as did Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. It is possible that these were nothing more than courtesy calls.

But given the backdrop of a Russian effort to boost Trump’s prospects of winning the election, all meetings between senior campaign figures and Russian officials deserve scrutiny.

In an interview Thursday with NBC’s Lester Holt, Trump said that Comey told him once over dinner and twice in phone calls that he was not personally being investigated. Trump described one of the exchanges this way: “I said, ‘If it’s possible, would you let me know, am I under investigation?’ He said, ‘You are not under investigation.’”

Trump apparently thinks this means something, but of course it does not. Typical investigative procedure is to start at the bottom of an organization and work your way up. “You are not under investigation” does not mean “You will never be under investigation.”

Trump claims to have no business ties with Russia. But in the past, his sons have reportedly bragged about a flood of Russian money boosting the Trump Organization’s fortunes. Trump could settle the question by fully disclosing his finances, including his tax returns. Why the secrecy?

If Trump wanted to end this scrutiny by firing Comey, he may have had the opposite effect. Ask yourself one question: Have you ever seen a coverup with no underlying crime? Neither have I. Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@washpost.com.

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Dr. Leah Brown makes her mark SCOTTSDALE, Az. — The sustained heat of the desert had subsided at twilight when Dr. Leah Brown found a dinner spot on the edge of this resort town — named for General Winfield Scott, the U. S. Army’s longest serving general who oversaw the expulsion of the Cherokees from Georgia, which is not a pretty story — where both the atmosphere and the conversation were cool, the latter so sobering that her guests felt privileged to be in her company.

She’s an orthopedic surgeon with credentials which continue to gather momentum.

Where she has been and what she has accomplished turns heads but leaves one keenly aware that the best is yet to come. In your mind’s eye you see her brilliant performances for the University of Georgia gymnastics team (a 14-time event All-American) and you reflect on her resume, which speaks to medical excellence, altruism, character and service above self.

Her mother integrated the Charlotte, N. C., school system.

Ergo, she knows the thrill of victory; she knows the agony of deceit. However, the cruel world out there has met its match when confronted by this remarkable and versatile UGA graduate. She volunteered for two tours in the Middle East.

Let it be known that she didn’t have to go. She doctored the wounded and dying — not just the victims, which often included many of her friends, but the perpetrators, the bad guys as well. She wasn’t opposed to

case student athlete and she is a showcase alumnus.”

When you visit her resume, respect hurtles upwards. When you revisit her resume, encores of hosannas ensue. In conversation she is often measured by understatement, as if what she is doing with her life can be Loran Smith done by others and that is no big deal if you don’t hide your such humanitarian acts, but it talents under a bushel. She is was, nonetheless, perplexing only doing what she expects and graphically convincing that of herself and what she was war makes no sense at all. Her taught to do growing up. presence alone made Afghan At Georgia she helped her women experience empowerteam win two conference gymment first hand, Leah quietly nastics titles and lay the founmaking a difference, which dation for all those forthcomhas always been her modus ing national championships. operandi. A doctor makes their She was the first gymnast in life better, their children are NCAA history to score a 10.0 comforted and healed—and a in her initial collegiate meet woman makes it happen. That and was the first Georgia freshsends a powerful message, but man to win the SEC all-around in the Middle East that is often title which came about in 1994. like a soft rain shower in the She graduated in 1998 with a spring — evaporating almost degree in genetics. She gained as soon as it brings about its her medical school credentials blessing. at Ohio State and the Cleveland With winsome good looks Clinic Foundation. and an introspective personalWhile at Georgia she ity that connects with others, claimed honors such as AllLeah has always had a bent for SEC Academic in gymnastics, altruism, love of people and membership in Leadership a giving of self. She is about UGA and the Student Athletic loyalty among other feel-good Council and induction into attributes. She can’t do enough the prestigious Omicron Delta to support the Gymdogs, flying Kappa, Blue Key and Palladia across the county to Athens honor societies. on a moment’s notice when When she officially became beckoned. “We are family,” Dr. Leah Brown, she then she explains her commitment, signed up for those two tours simply and succinctly — but of duty in Afghanistan as an emotionally elevated and orthopedic surgeon with the rip-roaring proud. “I love my U.S. Navy. She was awarded teammates. I love the Gymdog the Bronze Star for humaniprogram. I love the University tarian efforts treating women of Georgia. She was a showand children in Afghanistan.

Wherever Leah Brown goes, honor is sure to follow. Makes you wonder why she wasn’t the first Navy Seal. Her mantra became, “I don’t care to do the shooting and being shot at, but I will tend to your wounds.”

“It was a privilege to take care of them and to provide medical care to those deployed to Afghanistan,” she says. “The military is an incredible entity.

It is an experience that I think everyone should have because of the comradery and teamwork. I grew up in a family where a commitment to your community, your country, a commitment of service was always stressed. I always thought serving my country would be a pretty cool thing.”

The Navy tradition dates back to a grandfather who experienced the discrimination era for African Americans during the World War II, but still wanted to serve his country.

Leah’s distinguished career has made up for that regrettable aforementioned circumstance.

She witnessed discriminatory custom in the Middle East when Arab men would not shake hands with her (such touching of flesh is taboo), a reminder that wrongheadedness in our world still prevails— sometimes in our own neighborhood or down the street.

Any chance that we can reverse those negatives will only come from the leadership of the Leah Browns of our world.

Loran Smith is co-host of “The Tailgate Show” and sideline announcer for Georgia football. He is also a freelance writer.

Do-right women in do-wrong world WASHINGTON — For those lately bereft of leadership, the past few days have provided both a respite and a reason for hope.

Make that two reasons — two women — Sally Yates and Condoleezza Rice.

It’s likely that neither would prefer to be singled out as women who are brilliant but rather as brilliant people who happen to be women. Nevertheless, I’m guessing that women (and enlightened men) who heard Yates and Rice had an extra spring in their steps. I admit, they made me proud.

Yates, as most know by now, is the former acting Attorney General whom Donald Trump fired, perhaps confusing his current role with his previous gig on “The Apprentice.” The Donald dumped her because she refused to enforce his travel ban, which she found “unlawful.”

Rice, former secretary of state during the George W. Bush administration, happened to be in town the same day to promote her new book, “Democracy.” Watching her on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” Tuesday, one was reminded of her unique story growing up in the segregated South to become one of the most powerful individuals on the world stage.

Responding to questions about current foreign affairs, she was characteristically reasonable and — that rarest of qualities these days — palpably sane.

Eggs And Ham voice, Yates said that, yes, she was familiar with that and also with a subsequently promulgated statute that she felt overrode the previous. Namely, that immigration law can’t be applied either preferentially or as discriminating on the basis of race, nationality Kathleen Parker or place of birth.

But, she said to constitutionAs I watched both women, al-lawyer Cruz, she was mainly the word that kept coming concerned with the constito mind was competent. Oh, tutionality of the president’s how once gone, we miss it. ban. Brief pause for relishing Other equally dusty adjectives the moment. It was riveting include whip-smart, steady, theater, made all the more unflappable, knowledgeable, enjoyable because Cruz comes focused, straightforward, coroff as persistently arrogant. His rect. debating skills may have been Anyone watching Yates superior to other Republican during her hearing would have primary contenders, but debeen impressed with her calm, bates are won with arguments, her clarity and, especially, her not confidence. dominance under questioning.

Yates also testified on the Notably, she schooled U.S. subject of Michael Flynn, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, when whom Trump also fired, but he tried to suggest that her only after The Washington legal reasoning was incorrect Post revealed what Trump and that she was partisan in had known — that Flynn had her decision not to enforce the discussed sanctions with the travel ban.

Russian ambassador during the It must have taken a supreme transition and then lied about it. act of will for Yates to keep a Yates said that she had warned straight face when countering Trump transition officials to his condescending reading of a beware of Flynn. And, apparstatute pertaining to executive ently, President Obama personpower in restricting immially warned Trump against grants’ entry into the country. hiring Flynn.

First, Cruz asked if she was Meanwhile, Rice, who familiar with statute blah blah before becoming secretary blah, section blah blah blah. of state was national security Not off the top of her head, she adviser to Bush leading up to said. Upon Cruz’s rendering the Iraq War, looked rested of the statute in his best Green and radiant at the “Morning

Joe” table and made one hope she’s in close contact with the current administration. Her observations on Russia (“Putin is an eye-for-an-eye guy”) were especially illuminating. Validating what others had testified during the Senate hearings, she said Putin despised Hillary Clinton and leaked hacked emails from Democratic campaign computers in hopes of hurting her. It was payback, in other words, for when thenSecretary of State Clinton challenged the fairness of Russia’s elections in 2011.

But here Rice deviated from the popular narrative that Putin wanted Trump to win and warned against ascribing other motivations to him. Putin would have wanted anyone to win against Clinton, she said.

Regarding Russia’s interference in the 2016 election, this has long been one of Russia’s goals, mainly to undermine Americans’ confidence in the democratic process. Hence, in part, Rice’s timely book.

Whatever one’s political persuasion, I doubt I’m alone in noting the too-rare character exhibited by Rice and Yates. Being reminded of what we once expected of leaders and leadership, maybe we’ll insist upon better next time.

As we’ve seen, there are other women besides Clinton who could be president.

Kathleen Parker’s email address is kathleenparker@ washpost.com.

8A • Friday, May 12, 2017

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TUCKER

BUFORD

obituaries

LAWRENCEVILLE

Edward Akers

Willa Esworthy

Jerry Lawson

Edward J. Akers age 65 of Tucker, GA; passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. Arrangements by Byrd & Flanigan Crematory and Funeral Service, Lawrenceville, GA. (770)962-2200ByrdandFlanigan.com

Willa Alice Esworthy, 67, of Buford, GA passed away May 6, 2017. Crowell Brothers Funeral Home and Crematory, 201 Morningside Drive/PO Box 2434, Buford, GA 30518.

770-945-9999. Please sign the online guest book at www.crowellbrothers.com

Jerry Lawson, 63, of Lawrenceville, GA passed away May 5, 2017. Crowell Brothers Funeral Home and Crematory, 201 Morningside Drive/PO Box 2434, Buford, GA 30518.

770-945-9999. Please sign the online guest book at www.crowellbrothers.com

SUWANEE

BUFORD

LOGANVILLE

Allan Beneke Allan F. Beneke age 50 of Loganville, GA; passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2017. Arrangements

by Byrd & Flanigan Crematory and GFuneral Service (770)962-2200 Loganvillecremation.com

Jose A. Gerardino Jose A. Gerardino age 78 of Suwanee, GA; passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2017. Arrangements

by Byrd & Flanigan Crematory and Funeral Service, Lawrenceville, GA. (770)962-2200 Suwaneecremation.com

Walter Braatz

LAWRENCEVILLE

Joyce Brady Joyce Brady, age 59, of Lawrenceville, GA passed away on May 5, 2017.

Arrangements by: Tim Stewart Funeral Home 300 Simonton Road S.W. Lawrenceville, GA 30046.

770-962-3100. Please leave online condolences at stewartfh.com.

BUFORD

Brenda Griffin Brenda Griffin, age 75, of Buford, GA passed away May 10, 2017.

Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

Hazel Bruce

BUFORD

Alton Hall, age 81, of Buford, GA passed away May 10, 2017. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

STONE MOUNTAIN

Shirley Ivey

Shirley M. Ivey, age 89, of Stone Mountain, passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. Peachtree Cremation Society – 329 Gees Mill Business Pkwy NE, Suite 300 – Conyers, GA 30013. (678) 413-0104. www.peachtreecremation. com

Mrs. Hazel Cook Bruce, age 91, of Winder, Georgia died May 10, 2017.

LAWRENCEVILLE

Susan Crowley Susan M. Crowley, age 86, of Lawrenceville, GA passed away May 6, 2017. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

JEFFERSON

Judy Jenkins Mrs. Judy Nan Jenkins, age 73 of Jefferson, Georgia who entered into rest Tuesday, May 9, 2017.

WINDER

Briana Kopec Briana Noelle Kopec, age 21, of Winder, GA passed away May 7, 2017.

BUFORD

JEFFERSON

Laura Dassow Mrs. Laura Edda Dassow, age 69, of Jefferson, Georgia, who passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2017.

LAWRENCEVILLE

Concepcion Devenegas

Concepcion Salcedo Devenegas, age 100, of Lawrenceville, passed away on Monday, May 8, 2017. Peachtree Cremation Society – 329 Gees Mill Business Pkwy NE, Suite 300 – Conyers, GA 30013. (678) 413-0104. www.peachtreecremation. com

Walter Murray, Jr., age 74, of Oakwood, GA passed away May 6, 2017. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

Alton Hall

HOSCHTON

WINDER

Walter Murray, Jr.

ACHINA, NIGERIA

Carl Brown, Jr. Carl Millard Brown, Jr., age 70, of Hoschton, GA passed away May 9, 2017. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

Mark Gregory Maughon age 58 of Buford, Ga passed away on May 5, 2017. Arrangements by Byrd and Flanigan Crematory & Funeral Service, Lawrenceville, Ga 770-962-2200 Bufordcremation.com

OAKWOOD

LAWRENCEVILLE

Mr. Walter Braatz, 73, of Brookdale Gardens, Lawrenceville GA, passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2017.

Mark Maughon

Maximo LancerioOsorio Maximo R. LancerioOsorio, age 59, of Buford, GA passed away May 9, 2017. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

15 photos are available with all Obituaries and Death Notices $

Call for details

770.963.9205 Ext.1162 or Ext.1163

Catherine Ego Okpala The family and friends of Sir Pat Okpala celebrate the home going of a Centennial Matriarch Lady Catherine Ego Okpala (Nee Asiemeonwu) 1914-2017( Aged 103 years) Lady Catherine Ego Okpala was born in Urualla in 1914 to Simon and Nyaa Asiemonwu.

She attended Primary School in her home town, Urualla and was educated up to Standard 6. In 1941, she married Albert Odionye Okpala, son of Okpalaobieri Umechukwu of Umueleke Village, Achina, Aguata L.G.A, Anambra.

Albert and Catherine had 12 children – Maureen, Teresa, Imelda, Benedict, Celestine, Charles, Patrick, Jude, John, Anthony, Francis and Maryrose.

Francis and Maryrose died at a young age while Anthony passed away in 2015.

In the 50s and 60s, Lady Catherine, working with the Catholic Irish Missionaries was charged with the training of engaged and newly married young women. Her home served as the training ground where they learned various skills such as sewing, cooking and trading in preparation for family life.

This unique service which she rendered earned her the title, “Ochiriozua.”

Lady Catherine’s work was not just with women but also with children. She believed that we could enjoy a better society by raising Godly children and indeed she was actively involved in activities aimed at bringing up young children in the way of the Lord. She was a member of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), an organisation that caters to religious instruction for catholic children. She diligently served as a catechism instructor and

For more obituaries, visit www.gwinnettdailypost.com.

her home in Abakaliki also served as the Mother of Good Counsel Centre of the Block Rosary Crusade.

Lady Catherine was a lover of music and so it was fitting that she was made Patron of St. Cecilia’s Choir, St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Abakaliki.

During the Nigerian Civil War, she led a group of women in the preparation of dry packs for Biafran Soldiers who were starving at the war front.

Lady Catherine and Sir Albert began their lives together living in Mid-Western Nigeria and eventually moved to Abakaliki in 1954. She actively served God and her community during her time in Abakaliki. Being not just religious but also sociable, she was an active member of the Kwubaka-oto Social Group, Abakaliki.

Lady Catherine and her husband, Sir Albert Okpala lived in Abakaliki until retirement after which they moved to their home town, Achina. After the death of her husband on January 26, 2001, she moved to Port Harcourt to live with her first son, Dr. Benedict Okpala and remained there until her death on March, 28th 2017 at exactly 12:10pm.

Shortly before her death, she was honoured with the award of Centenary Mother during the Catholic Church Centenary celebrations at her home town, Achina.

Lady Catherine was a Lady of St. Mulumba and a dedicated Oblate. She was also a very active member of the CWO, Sacred Heart Society, Legion of Mary and a Life Member of the Enviable Motherhood.

Lady Catherine lived a very long, fulfilled and exemplary life. Her legacy will forever be remembered and she will be sorely missed.

Sir & Lady Pat Okpala, for the family

SUWANEE

Jerry Rainey, Jr. Jerry Preston Rainey, Jr., 57, of Suwanee, GA passed away May 8, 2017.

Crowell Brothers Funeral Home and Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, GA 30092.

(770)448-5757. www. crowellbrothers.com.

LAWRENCEVILLE

Edna Rhea Edna Shirlene Hesson Rhea, 52, of Lawrenceville, GA, passed away on May 6, 2017.

She was steadfast in her Christian faith, with an insatiable desire to know more of God and His Word. Her caring nature and great sense of humor were always comforting and a great source of excellent advice. Always aware of the events of the day, she cared deeply about the condition of our nation. She spent time as a volunteer for the Georgia Right to Life. Always curious, her quest for knowledge was incessant, including music, movies, traveling, and Bible study.

She loved her family without end, and took

great joy in bringing healing and solace during sickness and pain.

She was born on May 10, 1964, to Bob and Shirley Hesson in Chattanooga, TN. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Bob and Shirley Hesson; brothers, David Hesson, Tommy Hesson, and Johnny Cox; sister, Ruth Marmon.

She leaves behind her husband, Paul; children: Kirstin Rhea and her husband, Bobby Hewett; Patrick Rhea, Dalton Rhea, Brock Rhea, and Cecily Rhea; brothers: Bill Cox and Bobby Hesson; sisters: Vicci Cox and Jo Alred.

Funeral services will take place Wednesday, May 10 at Companion Funeral Home, 2415 Georgetown Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37311. Visitation will start at 1:00 p.m. to be followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. with Dr. Homer Rhea officiating. She will be interred at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers include Bill Cox, Bobby Hesson, Scott Ellis, Roman Ellis, Chris Ellis, Ron Ivy, and Wes Ivy. You are encouraged to share a memory of Shirlene and/or your personal condolences with her family by visiting her memorial web page and guestbook at www. companionfunerals.com.

Companion Funeral Home and The Cody family are honored to assist the Rhea family with Edna’s arrangements.

SUWANEE

Jacquelin “Jackie” Riley Jacquelin “Jackie” Riley, age 76, of Suwanee, GA passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2017. She is survived by her husband of forty-eight years, Francis “Sonny” Riley, Suwanee, GA; children, Tomy Sitton, Suwanee, GA, Juan Sitton, Suwanee, GA, Cynthia and Jeff Fry, Suwanee, GA; grandchildren, Gavin Sitton, Erin Fry, Megan Fry, Kiley Fry; sister-in-law, Ann Riley, Deland, FL; first cousins, Mr. Gayle Vivian, Mrs. Louise Whipple, Staunton, VA, Emily. Mrs. Riley was born July 7, 1940 in Atlanta, GA. She was a graduated from high school in Philadelphia, PA., and attended Roanoke College, Roanoke, VA. She retired from Bell South after twenty years of service and became a Realtor with Remax. The family will receive friends at Flanigan Funeral Home on the evening of Tuesday, May 16, 2017 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. No formal service.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www. flaniganfuneralhome. com. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

LAWRENCEVILLE

Roger Robertson Roger Robertson, 71, of Lawrenceville, GA passed away May 6, 2017. Crowell Brothers Funeral Home and Crematory, 201 Morningside Drive/PO Box 2434, Buford, GA 30518.

770-945-9999. Please sign the online guest book at www.crowellbrothers.com

BUFORD

Lisa Rounds Lisa Beard Rounds, age 49, of Buford, GA passed away May 11, 2017. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

AUBURN

R. C. “Cratie” Sims R. C. “Cratie” Sims, age 94, of Auburn, Georgia, entered into rest on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at Barrow Regional Medical Center. He is survived by two sisters, Shirley Ann & Larry Reese of Winder, GA, and Willa Jean Stewart of Fallon, NV, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Cratie was predeceased by his wife, Josie Bird Sims in 1977; his parents, Zed Sims and Ruby Grace Franklin Sims; brother, Otto Louis Sims; three sisters, Rudene Gazaway, Clara Joyce Morris and Etha Wiley.

Cratie was born on May 2, 1923, in Dacula, Georgia and was a graduate of Dacula High School. He worked for the former Genesco Shoe Company in Lawrenceville during the late 40’s after serving in the United States Army during World War II. He retired from the BP Oil Company after many years of service as a Petroleum Technician working on underground storage tanks.

Cratie and Josie never had children of their own, but their nieces and nephews were like their children, as well as, were their great nieces and nephews.

Cratie loved children and would do whatever he could to guide and mentor young people. One of his greatest joys was going to Everett’s Music Barn in Suwanee every Saturday night. This special gentleman will be deeply missed by his family and music friends.

The Service Honoring the Life of Cratie Sims will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2017, at 11:00 A.M. at Tom M. Wages Lawrenceville Chapel. Interment will follow at East Shadowlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 12th from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers those desiring may make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Everett’s Music Barn, 4

COMPLETE CREMATION $ 79500 www.peachtreecremation.com

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FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017 • 9A

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Piedmont may link up with Columbus Regional to a large area that is far from Piedmont’s Atlantaarea base. If the new deal Piedmont Healthcare, is completed, Columbus fresh off adding an Athens Regional would become hospital, is turning south Piedmont’s regional hub in seeking a partner in for clinical services in Georgia’s second-largest Southwest Georgia. city.

The talks continue the The Atlanta-based hos- consolidation that has pital system said Tuesday ripped up the hospital that it has entered exmap of Georgia in recent clusive partnership talks years. with Columbus Regional Hospital systems are Health. That system oper- looking to gain size in ates three major facilities order to wield more clout in Columbus — Midtown in negotiations with health Medical Center, Northinsurers for payments for side Medical Center and services. They’re also the John B. Amos Cancer looking to cut costs, and Center — as well as ursave on purchasing supgent care centers and mul- plies and equipment. tiple physician practices.

WellStar Health SysNonprofit Piedmont tem, based in Marietta, added Athens Regional and HCA, a NashvilleMedical Center as its sev- based hospital chain, have enth hospital in October. also completed major Columbus, with its deals recently in Georgia. location just across the “We share a commitChattahoochee River from ment to high-quality, Alabama, and roughly patient-centered care with at the midpoint between Columbus Regional and the northern and southwelcome this opportuern halves of Georgia, is nity to increase access traditionally the gateway and enhance care across

Southwest Georgia,” said Kevin Brown, president and CEO of Piedmont Kevin HealthBrown care, in a statement. “Columbus Regional has a rich history of caring for its community and region, and we are thrilled to start working on a partnership with an organization that shares so many of our values.”

It’s not the first talks that Piedmont has held with a Columbus hospital. Piedmont had looked into a partnership with St. Francis Hospital before the talks collapsed two years ago.

Scott Hill, Columbus Regional Health president and CEO, noted Tuesday in a statement that his system has been seeking a partnership or affiliation for a year.

Over that time, he said, “we have maintained our

position of strength financially and we continue to realize improvement across many areas of our health system. We believe that now is the time to combine our strengths through a strategic partnership. This will allow us to serve our patients and the community to the highest degree possible.”

Warren Steele, chairman of the board of Columbus Regional, added in a statement that “this decision was made after a comprehensive, yearlong process to evaluate the benefits for our patients, for our employees, our medical staff, and most importantly, for our community. Based on the core goals and objectives we laid out before we began our process, we are confident Piedmont is the right fit for us.”

Both Columbus hospital systems have run into recent financial trouble.

In September 2015, the state attorney general announced that Columbus

BY CURT YEOMANS

kit, a basic toolkit that includes a tire pressure gauge and adjustable wrench, jumper cables, emergency flares or reflectors, windshield washer solution, drinking water and snacks or food for travelers and their pets.

In addition to having a kit in the car, however, the group also recommends drivers take their cars in for a checkup before going on a trip, bringing spare keys and avoiding getting keyless entry remotes and smart keys wet. Downloading AAA’s mobile app is also recommended because drivers can use it to request help from the group.

“It is important for motorists to keep their vehicle operating safely in order to arrive safely to their destination,” Townsend said. “Having your vehicle checked by a skilled auto technician will save you time on the side of the road and help prevent expensive car repairs.”

BY KEITH FARNER

BY ANDY MILLER

Georgia Health News

Regional and other related entities had agreed to pay Georgia and the United States up to $35 million to resolve allegations of false Medicaid claims.

Right afterward, the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reported that St. Francis had been told by the feds to repay $21.4 million and make major changes in the way it did business.

The federal audit report came 10 months after St. Francis said it could not account for about $30 million on its financial books.

Brentwood, Tenn.-based LifePoint Health acquired St. Francis in January 2016.

Besides its flagship hospital in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood, and its Athens facility, Piedmont runs hospitals in Fayetteville, Newnan, Stockbridge, Covington and Jasper. And in February, Piedmont said it would operate 27 retail health clinics in Walgreens stores across the Atlanta

area.

Chris Kane, a consultant with DHG Healthcare, said Piedmont “has a strong track record in adding hospitals.’’

For Atlanta-based health systems, “the geographic aspirations have expanded,” Kane said. “Piedmont and WellStar have been aggressive with hospital transactions, and Northside [in Atlanta] has broadened its footprint with its physician network.’’

“As in any transaction, the marriage is more important than the wedding,’’ he said. “Success demands integration of the clinical programs, cultures, information technology and brands.”

Columbus Regional Health’s Midtown Medical Center provides the region’s only advanced maternity services and neonatal intensive care unit; a Children’s Hospital, including a pediatric intensive care unit; and a neuroscience center for spine and stroke care.

Knox will succeed Principal Janice Warren who will retire from the school system in the fall. Burnley SUWANEE — Two new will fill the vacancy creprincipals were approved ated as Principal Crystal Thursday at a specially Collins, who took a posicalled meeting of the tion as director of innovaGwinnett County Board of tion and education in the Education. private sector.

Christine Knox, curKnox has been the rently the principal of principal at Head since Head Elementary School, 2010. She previously was will be the new princian assistant principal at pal of Anderson-Livsey Mason Elementary from Elementary School and 2007-10 and a teacher at Tonya Burnley, who curSnellville Middle when rently leads Gwin Oaks her GCPS employment Elementary School, will began in 1999. Her career be the principal of Magill in education began in Elementary School. Both 1988 in the Cobb County appointments are effective School District.

July 3.

Knox has a master’s de-

gree and specialist degree from the University of West Georgia and a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Ohio.

Burnley has been the principal at Gwin Oaks since 2012 and previously was an assistant principal at Meadowcreek Elementary. She previously was a teacher at Magill Elementary, Snellville Middle and Harriet Tubman Elementary. She was an insurance agent for four years before her career in education.

Burnley has two degrees from Georgia State University, a specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University and a doctorate from Mercer University.

AAA projects 7M will need New principals named for its assistance this summer Magill, Anderson-Livsey ers carry emergency road kits in their cars, among other things, in case they face an automotive emerAre you be prepared to gency while on vacation, fix a flat tire or charge a or even driving to and dead car battery? from errands or work, If not, you’re not this summer. alone, according to AAA AAA estimates that officials. among the millions of The automotive group people it expects to put out its summer road- provide assistance to side C assistance prediction this summer, more than on Thursday, saying it 3 million of them are expects to help out more expected to have car than 7 million stranded troubles that are serious motorists this summer. enough to require their It expects many of those vehicle being towed to a motorists will need help repair facility. with one of what it says Figures released by the are the three most comautomotive group show mon reasons it receives an estimates two-fifths of calls for assistance: flat drivers don’t carry emertires, keys locked in cars gency road kits in their and dead batteries. cars, while one in five “Nothing puts the drivers are believed to brakes on summer trips not know how to change quite like car trouble,” a tire and two-thirds of AAA — The Auto Club Americans have never Group Georgia Public had the battery in their Affairs Director Garrett car tested to make sure it Townsend said in a state- is not in danger of dying. ment. “AAA recommends AAA recommends a basic safety check beemergency road kits infore you get on the road.” clude a mobile phone and Townsend said AAA car charger, flashlights, is recommending drivextra batteries, a first aid curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

Continued from page 8A

4055 Stonecypher Rd., Suwanee, GA 30024 in memory of R.C. (Cratie) Sims. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www. wagesfuneralhome.com.

Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, “A Family Company,” Lawrenceville Chapel 770-963-2411 has been entrusted with the arrangements. .

obituaries LITHONIA

Gwendolyn Thornton Gwendolyn Faye C. Thornton, age 80, of Lithonia, passed away on May 10, 2017. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, “A Family Company”, Snellville Chapel 770-979-3200 has been entrusted with the arrangements.

JEFFERSON

James Satterfield Mr. James Bryce Satterfield, age 84 of Jefferson, Georgia who entered into rest Wednesday, May 10, 2017.

15 photos are available with all Obituaries and Death Notices CALL 770.963.9205 EXT. 1162 OR EXT 1163

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One person attends first BOE public hearing on ’18 budget

BY KEITH FARNER

tatively adopt the proposed unchanged millage rate.

As has been the case in recent years, Lownes was SUWANEE — The one the only member of the Gwinnett resident who rou- public to attend or speak at tinely makes appearances the meeting. at School Board meetings, At issue was the school especially budget hearings, district’s projected budget made another appearance of $2.092 billion, an inFor more obituaries, visit crease of about $37 million www.gwinnettdailypost.com. Thursday night.

Craig Lownes quesor 1.8 percent from last tioned the School Board year. Much of the increase LAWRENCEVILLE and Gwinnett County is tied to an additional Polly Watson Public Schools CEO/ 1,972 students expected in Superintendent J. Alvin August to raise the overPolly W. Watson, age Wilbanks about the projec- all enrollment to more 87, of Lawrenceville, tions for teacher raises in than 180,000, and raises GA passed away May the upcoming budget were for teachers and all other 10, 2017. Wages & Sons accurate. Lownes said the employees.

Gwinnett Chapel 1031 school district had promotAs part of GCPS’ Lawrenceville Highed a raise for the average new performance-based way, Lawrenceville GA, teacher of just under 4 compensation system 30046 770-277-4550. percent, but many teachers for teachers, the average he’s talked with expected a teacher will receive a 3.72 5-8 percent bump in pay. percent salary increase, “I think it’s great, I’m which includes a 2 percent just making sure you have cost-of-living bump. The $15 photos are enough money,” Lownes average teacher in GCPS, said. which equates to having a available with all Wilbanks replied, master’s degree and at perObituaries and “We’ve put together, during formance step 13, makes Death Notices Call for details my tenure, 22 budgets and $60,716 and accounts for 770.963.9205 they’ve always been under $85,923, including benExt.1162 or Ext.1163 budget. I’ll assure you efits. there’s enough money in Given the climate and there.” circumstances with the state The next public hearing budget, GCPS will receive is at 6 p.m. May 18, the $17.4 million less than same evening the Board of what it earns in the state Education is expected to formula for school funding, Red Carbadopt the budget, and tensaid GCPS Chief Financial keith.farner @gwinnettdailypost.com

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Officer Joe Heffron.

Economic indicators such as the property tax digest have recovered from the 27 percent drop during the recent Great Recession.

The value of a mill shrank from about $31 million to $23 million and has rebounded to $26.3 million in the current year. It’s expected to be $28.4 million for next year.

The local property tax digest is expected to grow by nearly 5 percent, or $23.7 million.

Employer benefit costs are projected to add $32 million in expenses for this budget.

The Gwinnett Retirement System, the district’s alternative to Social Security, will increase by $5.5 million, and state health insurance premiums for noncertificated employees, about 6,100, will cost GCPS $7.1 million annually. Those employees are typically cafeteria workers, bus drivers and central office personnel.

Those increases have jumped seven of the past eight years and 480 percent since 2011. The per month cost for the district will go from $846 to $945 per member.

The district’s general fund, which accounts for $1.595 billion, is a 3.6 percent increase and can be attributed to salary improvements, employer benefit increases and the rise in enrollment. Heffron said 88 percent of the budget is salaries and benefits.

Several areas of special education, psychological services and curriculum and instruction are expected to receive an increase in resources and personnel.

10A • Friday, May 12, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

OneCOP •From Page 1A

timing was actually coincidental. and scream at each other,” he Gwinnett and OneCOP said. “If Black Lives Matter officials have been working stands in their corner and yell toward the launch for about ‘black lives matter;’ if police a year now. stand in their corners and yell “As a matter of fact, we ‘blue lives matter. We’ve got were working on the outto come together and sit at reach letter for this particular a table of brotherhood and event back in later March sisterhood to work along our and April of this year,” Ayers commonalities and not be said. divided by our differences.”

But Hutchins said the Gwinnett is the first to incident with the two officers come to that table. And it’s in April showed Gwinnett a table the rest of metro law enforcement’s willingAtlanta is eager to join. ness to work proactively Hutchins said the seven on its relationship with the counties in metro Atlanta community. Ayers and the house 58 police and sheriff’s department worked to fire departments. So far, every the officers just hours after single sheriff’s office and 92 videos showing their conpercent of the police depart- duct surfaced online. ments “have formally signed “He is a leader among on to be a part of the One leaders,” Hutchins said. “In Congregation, One Precinct the aftermath of the unforinitiative.” tunate incident that we saw But Hutchins said the several weeks ago, this chief initiative needed a test com- of police stood up and set an munity before it spread all example for every chief of over the metro area. He said police across this country.”

Gwinnett was the “most apHutchins also said Sheriff propriate” choice to go first. Butch Conway was instru“We decided to launch mental in launching the this initiative first in Gwinprogram. nett County because of the Now, the county will get diversity that is represented to test drive what could be in this community,” he said. a breakthrough initiative in The timing of the launch metro Atlanta. couldn’t be better for the “I think this is a great county. Just weeks earopportunity to develop that lier, the Gwinnett County outreach and communication Police Department fired at length between the police and then criminally charged department and the congretwo officers for beating an gations and from the congreunarmed black man during gations to the community,” a traffic stop. Both Hutchins Ayers said. “Trust between and Gwinnett County Police he police and the community Chief Butch Ayers said the is critical.”

•From Page 1A That’s 12 more teams and almost 5,000 more participants than last year.

All those people are expected to raise money to support the American Cancer Society’s efforts to eliminate cancer as a major

Bridge

•From Page 1A

a few steps left to take this week to get the bridge ready “I’ve been asked often, to re-open.

‘This has happened on such “We have to install the record pace? Is it safe?’” expansion joints between McMurry told reporters this each of the beam sets,” he week. “Absolutely, it is safe. said. “We have to complete In fact, we’ve had at least pouring the concrete side 10 inspectors a day, totaling barrier, both north and southsome 2,500 man hours of bound, and that concrete inspection starting through- needs strength on it before out the entire process … (the bridge opens). We don’t “Safety is built in to this want anybody bumping into process, starting with the it or hitting it, so that has to design, fabrication of the be strong. materials, actual placement “We have electrical work and inspection and testing of still to be done in the median all of the materials products to install the street lights, and themselves, such as concrete of course, as with any projand steel that’s involved ect, you have final clean-up, in the construction of this sweeping up construction bridge.” debris and things like that.”

McMurry’s comments The final piece of work came during a joint press that has to be done before conference Wednesday with the bridge can re-open is the Gov. Nathan Deal at the state re-striping of the roadway.

Capitol to announce plans McMurry said the lanes for re-opening the roadway. were re-striped after the The pair said the bridge bridge collapsed to steer trafcould re-open before rush fic onto the Buford-Spring hour on Monday, but that Connector. Those lanes must will depend on the weather now be re-striped back to this weekend. their original configuration.

“I am pleasantly surprised “It is our intent that this by the short time frame and will happen on Saturday and we all should be,” Deal said. Sunday, that northbound will “It is a testament I think to probably be first and souththe dedication of a lot of bound would open at some people and we should all be point, but the governor’s thankful for that. This is a announcement that we’ll be good news story today.” open for business Monday McMurry said crews had morning is absolutely guarto first demolish the old anteed,” McMurry said. bridge section, which was The state got help from just south of Ga. Highway federal officials early on, 400, while simultaneously with President Donald designing and preparing to Trump and U.S. Secretary of build its replacement.

Transportation Elaine Chao McMurry said there are authorizing $10 million in

emergency repair funding within days of the bridge collapse. McMurry said it cost about $1.6 million to demolish the old bridge, and another $11.9 million to build the new one.

Marietta-based C.W. Matthews Contracting was offered as much as $3.1 million in incentives to finish the project earlier than the original expected completion date of June 15.

McMurry also said work to repave a section of I-85, south of the collapse site to the Downtown Connector, is also expected to be finished

by Monday morning. That work was done by Gwinnettbased E.R. Snell Contractor Inc. The news that I-85 will reopen next week was a relief to Gwinnett County Department of Transportation Director Alan Chapman.

The location of the bridge collapse created plenty of traffic headaches for drivers who would normally use I-85 and Ga. 400 to go between Atlanta and Gwinnett and north Fulton. Gwinnett drivers either had to shift to taking Interstates 75 and 20, via Interstate 285, or they had to begin taking mass transit.

“You can’t shut down I-85 without it being an impact on Gwinnett County, but I really think our citizens have found other ways around and adjusted schedules, and done what they had to to deal with it,” Chapman said. “We’re really thankful to GDOT and

the federal Department of Transportation for jumping on it so fast because it’s just been an incredible response and a quick turnaround to get it open again. That means a lot to our citizens who commute into town.”

McMurry thanked local transit agencies, including Gwinnett County Transit, for working with state officials to offer commuters an alternative way to get in and out of the city while the bridge was rebuilt.

Chapman said the county’s transit system worked with regional transit partners to come up with ways to get Gwinnett commuters into city while also reducing the number of cars on the roads.

Those efforts included adding special express routes to and from the Doraville and Chamblee MARTA rail stations.

Gwinnett County Transit is expected to go back to its traditional, pre-bridge collapse express routes at some point next week, Chapman said. The county also expects to have finalized figures on how the bridge collapse impacted the transit system in terms of ridership and cost of additional services in the coming weeks.

Gwinnett County Transit will continue to have its local service route that connects Gwinnett Place Mall with the Doraville MARTA station.

“That’s something we have done for years,” Chapman said of the local service to Doraville.

Gwinnett Relay will keep going, rain or shine, until its closing ceremony at 6:30 a.m. Saturday.

“As always, everyone in the community is invited to participate,” according to a release. “Join by lighting a luminaria, making a donation, pledging to save one

life from cancer this year or simply walking laps with friends.”

The Gwinnett Fairgrounds are located at 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville. For more information, contact Roxanne Tigue at 770-814-0211 or at roxanne.tigue@cancer.org.

Relay health problem through research, advocacy and service.

“The American Cancer Society Relay for Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to save lives from cancer,” according to a press release. “Uniting communi-

ties across the globe, the American Cancer Society celebrates people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and take action for lifesaving change.”

The festivities will begin in Gwinnett at 6 p.m. with an opening ceremony emceed by Scott Slade of News

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sports

gwinnettdailypost.com

SECTION B • FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Dacula’s Chelsea Igberaese placed second in the shot put and first in the discus during the first day of the AAAAAA State Championships in Carrollton on Thursday.

(Photo: David McGregor)

POWER MOVE

Igberaese sisters help Dacula to lead at state track

By Will Hammock will.hammock@ gwinnettdailypost.com

CARROLLTON — Chelsea Igberaese fell short of her state record goal, but a repeat Class AAAAAA championship in the discus was a nice consolation.

The Dacula senior won the discus title again

Thursday afternoon at Carrollton on the opening day of the Georgia High School Association Track and Field Championships.

The day was even sweeter for Igberaese because her younger sister Elsie placed second in the discus.

Their efforts in the throws helped Dacula rack up 41 points, good for first place in the team stand-

ings over second-place Mays (28.5).

“It’s a good feeling to know my coaches’ work, all the support from my parents and my hard work really paid off,” said Igberaese, who signed with Liberty’s track and field program this week.

The Igberaese sisters also excelled in the shot put — Chelsea was sec-

ond with a personal-best 42 feet, 4 1/2 inches and Elsie was fifth at 37-8 1/2 — in what was a great opening day for Dacula.

Wheelchair thrower Robbie Berry gave the Falcons a state title in the shot put at 23-10, while Hannah Jefcoat finished as runner-up in the girls pole vault.

“It’s very good momen-

tum when people on our team do well,” Chelsea Igberaese said. “It encourages other people to do well.”

For Berry, it was his fifth state championship.

The senior won the 200-meter race as a sophomore and swept 200, 800 and shot put titles last year. His winning shot put toss Thursday was about

six inches off his state record set in 2016.

“I didn’t practice as much as I did last year,” Berry said. “I actually only practiced once, which is kind of bad. But in between my other adapted sports with Blaze Sports I’ve practiced a couple of times with them.”

See TRACK, Page 6B

Wolfe steps Etowah eliminates Brookwood away from baseball role

By Scott Smith

scott.smith@gwinnettdailypost.com

By David Friedlander david.friedlander@gwinnettdailypost.com

After more than two decades as Buford’s varsity baseball coach, including the last decade juggling double duty as the Wolves varsity softball coach, Tony Wolfe is getting a change in his job description.

He will still be pulling double duty, but he is swapping his baseball coaching job to accept a position as the school’s assistant athletics director, Wolfe confirmed Thursday.

He will remain as the Wolves softball coach, but the demands of his new extra job convinced him it Tony was time to step aside from Wolfe a baseball program he had devoted the last 21 years of his life to.

Plus, the lure of serving as a chief aide to Buford A.D. Dexter Wood was too great.

“The opportunity to work with Coach Wood, I thought, was too good to pass up,” said Wolfe, who has guided the Buford baseball team to two state championship and the softball team to state titles in each of his 10 years as coach. “And the spring is a much busier time. I love both (baseball and softball), and I’ve (coached) baseball so long, but I’m excited about (the new opportunity).”

In his 21 seasons at the helm of the See WOLFE, Page 6B

SNELLVILLE — For the second playoff series in row, a team from Gwinnett saw its season end at the hands of Etowah.

This time it was Brookwood, which fell 3-1 to the Eagles on Thursday night in Game 3 of the Class AAAAAAA state quarterfinals at the Dave Hunter Complex.

Etowah pitcher Andrew Keene, who no-hit Mountain View in five innings to win its second-round series, was also the winner against Brookwood, going six strong innings with one run on six hits with three walks and seven strikeouts.

“We fought and never gave up and I’m real proud of everything we accomplished this year,” said Brookwood head coach Titus Martin, whose team won its second straight region title. “(Keene) did a really good job. It seems like we had baserunners in scoring position every inning, we just couldn’t put some hits together when we needed them.”

Keene had to work hard to get through his six innings of work as the Broncos had at least one base runner in every Brookwood’s Spencer Lewis sits alone in the dugout after the inning he pitched. loss to Etowah in Thursday’s state playoff game at Brookwood However, Keene was able in Snellville. (Photo: Karl L. Moore) to wiggle out trouble each The win sends the Mill Creek, while Brooktime, leaving six Bronco runfourth seed from Region wood, the champs of Region ners stranded, three of those 4-AAAAAAA to the semi7-AAAAAAA, ends its year finals where it will be at at 29-8.

See BRONCOS, Page 6B

Mill Creek wins Game 3 decisively

By Paul Thomas

paul.thomas@gwinnettdailypost.com

DALLAS — Mill Creek baseball advanced to the Final Four of the Class AAAAAAA state tournament Thursday with a 5-1 win at North Paulding in Game 3 of the series.

Davis Sharpe pitched six shutout innings and Steven Kirk was 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a stolen base as the Hawks bounced back from a

MORE INSIDE

Woodstock in the right places at the right times to take 1-0 win over Parkview, 6B

Game 2 loss in Wednesday’s doubleheader.

Mill Creek (33-6) turned three double plays in the game, including in the top of the seventh when Alaska Abney gave up two leadoff singles. After a groundout to second, he got another out

on a comebacker to him, and the Hawks were able to get Mickey Maguire out at second as he broke for third with a runner still on the bag.

Nick Colina scored a meaningless run for the Wolfpack (24-12) before Magurie was tagged for the final out.

“Davis was Davis, he threw strikes. I think he’ll tell you he probably didn’t have his best stuff but he competed,” Mill Creek head coach Doug

Jones said. “Threw the ball downhill, threw strikes and we made the plays. We had one little hiccup the last inning, but it didn’t hurt us because of that last play. Anytime you don’t have to throw a pitch to get two outs it’s huge.”

Sharpe got out of jams with two runners on with just one out in the first and fifth innings of the game. In the

See HAWKS, Page 6B

ondeck 2B • FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Prep Schedule

Today

SOCCER

State finals Class AAAAA Girls At Mercer University 5 p.m. — Buford vs. Macintosh Class A Girls At Mercer University Noon — Wesleyan vs. First Presbyterian

TRACK AND FIELD

State championship meets 9:30 a.m. — Class AAAAAAA/A at Berry College 9:30 a.m. — Class AAA at Albany Noon — Class AAAAAA/AAAAA at Carrollton

The Home Teams

Braves

G-Braves

TODAY NEXT UPCOMING

at Miami at Miami at Miami 7:10 p.m.

Sat, 7:10 p.m.

Sun, 1:10 p.m.

FSSO/93.7-FM FSSO/93.7-FM FSSO/93.7-FM Columbus Columbus Columbus 7:05 p.m.

Sat, 6:05 p.m.

Sun, 1:05 p.m.

97.7-FM 97.7-FM 97.7-FM

Off

at Toronto* Sat, 7 p.m.

Toronto* May 20, 7 p.m.

Off

at Portland Houston Sun, 4 p.m.

May 20, 7 p.m.

ESPN/92.9-FM FSSE/92.9-FM

Swarm

United

Baseball

Softball

M. Tennis

NAIA Tourney Off Mon, TBA

Milligan^ Off Mon, noon TBD

NAIA tournament Off Tue, TBA

Off

NAIA tournament Tue, TBA

W. Tennis FSSE = FOX Sports Southeast, FSSO = FOX Sports South ^NAIA tournament; *East Division Finals, best of three

On TV AUTO RACING

Today

8 a.m. — Formula One Spanish Grand Prix, Practice 1.

From Barcelona. NBCSP 11:30 a.m. — NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series: Go Bowling 400, Practice. From Kansas City, Kan. FS1 4:30 p.m. — NASCAR Camping World Truck Series: Toyota Tundra 250, Qualifying. From Kansas City, Kan. FS1 6:30 p.m. — NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series: Go Bowling 400, Qualifying. From Kansas City, Kan. FS1 8:30 p.m. — NASCAR Camping World Truck Series: Toyota Tundra 250. From Kansas City, Kan. FS1

COLLEGE SOFTBALL

1 p.m. — ACC Tournament, First Semifinal: Teams TBA. FSSO 3:30 p.m. — ACC Tournament, Second Semifinal: Teams TBA. FSSO

MLB

7 p.m. — Atlanta at Miami FSSO

NBA

8 p.m. — Conference semifinals, Game 6, Boston at Washington ESPN

NHL

9 p.m. — Conference finals, Game 1, Nashville at Anaheim NBCSP

SOCCER

2:55 p.m. — Premier League, West Bromwich Albion FC vs Chelsea FC NBCSP

Sports Calendar

ALL SPORTS

Ongoing through May 31: All Sports Youth Camps, in partnership with Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation, will host summer camps for boys and girls ages 5-12 with baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, cheerleading and multi-sport options. Camps are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fourday summer camps are $80 per week and five-day summer camps are $110 per week. For more information, visit www.allsportsyouthcamps.com or email to DLStancil6@yahoo.com.

Ongoing through June 15: i9 Sports’ north and central Gwinnett County summer weeknight programs for boys and girls ages 3-14 (ages vary by sport) begin in early June. Locations are as follows: Flag football (Gary Pirkle Park), volleyball (Atlanta Volleyball Academy), outdoor soccer (Gary Pirkle Park and Discovery High School), basketball (Discovery High School and North Gwinnett High School), T-ball (Buford Elite Sports Academy), baseball pitching and hitting clinics (Buford Elite Sports Academy), multi-sport summer camps (Duncan Creek Park and George Pierce Park),

lacrosse (to be announced) and golf (Sugar Hill Golf Course). Register on line at www.i9sports.com or call 678-472-2142. All skill levels, no try-outs, everyone plays, no fundraisers, same day practices and games.

BASEBALL

June 12-16: The 37th annual Robert Sapp Baseball Camp will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hog Mountain Sports Complex in Flowery Branch. Camp costs $135 and is open to ages 7 to 14.

For more information, email to rsbbcamp@charter.net or go to www.robertsappbaseballcamp.com.

BASKETBALL

June 10: The U.S. Marine Corps Sports Leadership Academy will host a free basketball clinic at Suwanee Sports Academy to provide skill training and leadership in addition to basketball training. The academy begins at 8 a.m. and concludes at 4:30 p.m. All participants receive a USMC Sports Leadership Academy T-shirt, lunch and a camp gift bag.

The seven top performers receive Academy All-Star medals. The event is open to anyone between the ages of 15 and 19. Limited registration is available at www. usmcsports.com.

Feedback • Will Hammock, Sports Editor: will.hammock@gwinnettdailypost.com • Christine Troyke, Staff Writer: christine.troyke@gwinnettdailypost.com • David Friedlander, Staff Writer: david.friedlander@gwinnettdailypost.com • Paul Thomas, Staff Writer: paul.thomas@gwinnettdailypost.com • Scott Smith, Senior Correspondent: scott.smith@gwinnettdailypost.com • To report scores, call 770-339-5850

gwinnettdailypost.com

Wild finish returns North to semis

By Scott Smith

scott.smith@ gwinnettdailypost.com

POWDER SPRINGS — There was no shortage of emotions in North Gwinnett’s quarterfinal series at Hillgrove on Wednesday.

After shutting out the Hawks 10-0 in five innings in the opener, Game 2 turned into a marathon affair as the Bulldogs needed 12 innings to complete the sweep, walking off with a 4-3 win courtesy of Parker Coyne’s RBI single.

With the win, North advanced to the Class AAAAAAA state semifinals, where it will host Etowah, which ousted Parkview. The sweep puts North into the semifinals for the third time in school history and first since 2010.

“After a game like that, it’s hard to think. I can barely remember half of what went on,” North head coach Ryan Moity said. “We didn’t execute a few times but this group, whatever comes its way, it doesn’t bother them. They grind it out and compete.”

After getting blanked 10-0 in the opener, Hillgrove (25-12) took a 3-0 lead in the top of the first off a three-run homer to left from Will Hubbell.

North answered with an unearned run in the bottom of the first off a throwing error on an infield grounder to make it 3-1.

That one unearned run seemed to settle down

North starter Jake Brace, who followed with 7 2/3 scoreless innings before leaving the game in the top of the ninth after reaching his pitch limit.

Brace, who took a nodecision, finished with three runs on six hits with one walk, three hit batters and nine strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings.

Walker Cleveland came in relief and eventually got the win, going 3 1/3 scoreless frames with one hit and seven strikeouts.

Meanwhile, North kept chipping away at Hillgrove starter Luke Torbert, getting another run back in the bottom of the third off a solo homer to right by Corey Collins and tying it in the sixth off a wild pitch by reliever Dalton Kent.

From the fifth inning on, North had multiple chances to break the game open but couldn’t get the hit it needed, stranding 11 runners over the last seven innings.

North’s best chance came in the 10th when Will Bennett reached on the third error of the night on the Hillgrove infield and Chase McCulloch beating out a sacrifice bunt attempt to put runners at first and second with no outs.

Michael Borah failed to advance the runners by striking out, but Coyne (4-for-6, run, RBI in Game 2), delivered a sharp single to left.

North’s potential goahead runner rounded third and kept going despite the stop sign thrown up by

Moity and was cut down at home after a nice relay from the Hillgrove shortstop.

The 12th started innocently enough for North with a flyout to center, but a walk to Michael Goehrig and the fourth throwing error by Hillgrove off a grounder to third from Borah put runners at first and third with no outs.

Coyne followed and chopped the first pitch over the pitcher’s mound toward second base, where it was fielded by the shortstop, whose throw home was too late to cut down pinch runner P.J. Lynch.

“We knew (Hillgrove) wasn’t going to lay down on us,” Moity said. “I asked our guys if we lost 10-0 in the first game if we would quit and they said no, so we knew we would get their best in the second game.”

Cade Heil delivered a gem for North in the opener with five shutout innings, allowing four hits with one walk and three strikeouts as the Bulldogs took a 1-0 series lead with a 10-0 win.

Hillgrove was its own worst enemy in Game 1 with three errors, the first of those coming on the first play of the game off a popup from Borah.

The drop allowed Borah to reach first. He quickly scored when Coyne drove him in with a double.

Coyne finished the first game 3-for-4 with two runs and on RBI. Corey Collins followed

with an RBI single to put North up 2-0 with Dalton Pearson later making it 3-0 on a run-scoring single before most fans had settled into their seats.

The Bulldogs chased Hillgrove starter Jamie Boatright in the second inning when to top of the lineup struck again.

Borah, Coyne and Collins each singled with the hit by Collins making it 4-0.

Boatright battled back to retire Heil, but Josh Shuler golfed a low fastball to right to stretch the lead to 5-0.

Boatright’s night ended after Lavosier Fisher reached on a dropped pop-up in the infield, leaving the bases loaded, but North couldn’t tack on any more as reliever Brennan Richardson retired Pearson to leave the bases full.

North got to Pearson in the fourth, but it took the third defensive miscue of the night to open the door.

With two outs and a runner at second, Shuler hit a lazy fly to left, only to see it dropped by the left fielder.

That pushed across the sixth run for North, and Fisher plated two more with a homer down the right field line that just cleared the fence inside the foul pole.

That ended the night for Richardson, and Julian Jackson followed by surrendering a single to Pearson and two-run homer to left from Will Bennett.

McGirt, Hughes share lead at Players The Sports Xchange PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — On a track as difficult to dominate as the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass and a tournament as tough as The Players Championship, synergy — when the results are actually better than the sum of its parts — can be the most important attribute to carry in the bag.

Both William McGirt and Mackenzie Hughes of Canada produced what it took to leap to the front of the pack Thursday, fashioning 5-under-par 67s to take a one-stroke lead over arguably the most loaded field in golf after the first round of The Players Championship, contested in warm and mostly benign conditions.

J.B. Holmes, Alex Noren, Chez Reavie and Jon Rahm are a shot back at 68. Eleven more, including Louis Oosthuizen, are another stroke back after finishing in 69.

McGirt, who won the 2016 Memorial Tournament, had three birdies on

Bubba Watson blasts out of the sand trap onto the 11th green during Thursday’s first round of The Players Championship at the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (Photo: Michael Madrid-USA Today Sports)

the front-nine and eagled both of the par-5s on the back-nine to offset two bogeys.

McGirt is just the 26th player to record two eagles in one round during The Players Championship and just the sixth to do so on back-nine at TPC Sawgrass. The eagles were at No. 11 and No. 16, and it was the first time in tournament history that one player accomplished that

feat in the first round.

“I just had good numbers at a good time and made a good swing at a good time,” McGirt said.

“There’s no answer, honestly; you just kind of see the shot and hit the shot and see the putt and hit the putt. That’s probably the third or fourth time, maybe even fifth time, that I’ve eagled 11. I eagled 16 last year for the first time.

“It was a matter of hav-

ing a good day,” McGirt said of his round. “I don’t know that you can really learn this golf course, because with this place if you hit one that lands four or five feet off the putting surface, there’s no telling what’s going to happen to it.”

Hughes’ round was much more conventional, with five birdies and no bogeys on his card thanks to a scrambling par from the trees on the closing hole. He is also a one-time winner, capturing the 2017 RSM Classic in October.

Hughes had only played 36 total holes on the Stadium Course — all in practice this week — before teeing it up on Thursday.

Phil Mickelson, defending champion Jason Day of Australia, Rickie Fowler and Adam Scott of Australia are among those who shot 70 and are three stroke behind. Germany’s Bernhard Langer, at 59 the oldest player in the field, heads a large group at 71 that also includes world No. 1 Dustin Johnson.

IN BRIEF

Dacula, Lanier baseball players named all-region

Region 7-AAAAAA coach of the year after leading the Gladiators to the region championship.

Johns Creek (17-3-2) has advanced to Saturday’s Dacula and Lanier were represented well on the AllClass AAAAAA state finals against Harrison at Mercer.

Region 8-AAAAAA Baseball Team, announced this It’s the first state finals appearance for the program and week by the league’s coaches. its first time advancing out of the first round since 2012.

Dacula put four players on the first team — Tyler Thrash, Byrne also was named recently as the North Atlanta Michael Cherwenka, Ryan Vigue and Tanner Nichols.

Coach of the Year by Positive Athlete Georgia. Prior to Lanier’s Nick Tanner also was a first-team selection. becoming Johns Creek’s head coach, she was an assisThe second team included Dacula’s Chase Gonzalez, tant the previous two seasons at Collins Hill.

Jerrett Jenkins and Jojo Lopez, as well as Lanier’s Parker Marcantel, Lawson Baweja, Thomas Prince and Chase Weir, other top swimmers at Smith.

Winder-Barrow swept the top individual awards with Atlanta Classic this week coach of the year Brian Smith, pitcher of the year Will The Atlanta Classic Swim Meet returns to Georgia Hardigree and player of the year Pat Demarco.

Tech’s McAuley Aquatic Center this Friday through Sunday.

Duluth honors seven college signees Prelims are at 9 a.m. and finals are at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by Sunday prelims at 9 a.m. and Duluth held a celebration Wednesday to honor seven seniors who will compete on college sports teams in the finals at 5 p.m. Some of the country’s top swimmers will compete in the meet, including Gwinnett product and future. three-time Olympian Amanda Weir, American record The group included three girls lacrosse signees in Ansley Coles (Young Harris), Shelby Martin (Point) and holder Caeleb Dressel, American record holder Josh Pernot, Michael Andrews and Olympic gold medalist Maddie Yokeley (Berry) and two girls soccer recruits, Ryan Held.

Kailah Jeffries (Georgia College) and Nadia Dixon A number of college and club teams will have swim(Oxford-Emory). Soccer player Jack Sweney was recognized for signing with Hampden-Sydney, as was football mers at the meet. Gwinnett-based SwimAtlanta is among the club teams participating, while the colleges involved player Rodante Moorehead, who will attend Life on a feature Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, Florida, Georgia, bowling scholarship.

Georgia Tech, Kentucky, North Carolina State and TenCollins Hill’s Byrne has Johns Creek nessee.

Tickets are $10 for a finals session and $5 for a preon brink of girls soccer state title lims session. For more information, go to www.atlantaCollins Hill grad Mary Byrne, in her first season as classicswimmeet.com. head girls soccer coach at Johns Creek, was named the — From staff reports

gwinnettdailypost.com

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017 • 3B

Mustangs relishing spotlight West in pursuit of soccer, track titles this week

By David Friedlander david.friedlander@ gwinnettdailypost.com

Situated in a county filled with the “haves” in terms of high school sports success, student-athletes from both Meadowcreek and Pebblebrook understand what it’s like to be one of Georgia’s “have nots” over the last few decades.

So, it’s understandable the amount of excitement generated at both schools by their boys soccer teams as they prepare to meet for the Class AAAAAAA state championship at McEachern High’s Walter H. Cantrell Stadium.

While there will be only one winner after the 7:30 p.m. kickoff Saturday night, both teams are enjoying their newfound status as one of the “haves.”

“I’m very proud of my team,” said forward Fabian Rivas, who scored twice in Tuesday’s 4-1 semifinal win over Roswell. “Just looking at the scoreboard seeing that we were up, looking at my teammates knowing that they’re going to work hard, they’re going to stay dedicated, they’re going to be focused. It was great.”

For the No. 3 stateranked Mustangs (165), the title represents a chance at the first state title in school history — a prize they’ve had their eye on since the beginning of the season, and one they have steadily begun to believe most strongly they’re capable of as the season has progressed.

“We set a goal at the beginning of the season, and of course, this was the goal set for us,” head coach Tyler LaFleur said following Tuesday’s win, which made the Mustangs just the fourth Meadowcreek team to earn a trip to a state championship final in the school’s 30-year history.

Meadowcreek’s Fabian Rivas (13) works against Roswell’s Jake Dreger (5) during the Class AAAAAAA boys soccer semifinal Tuesday night at Roswell High School.

(Photo: Will Fagan)

“But as you get closer and closer and they start believing and feeling all the work and effort that comes into it, I couldn’t be prouder of these guys.”

That’s a sentiment that has permeated throughout the Norcross school throughout their playoff run, with a strong contingent of Mustangs faithful in the crowd at Ray Manus Stadium on Tuesday indicative of the support the school’s community has been giving the team.

“Yeah, it’s been crazy,” LaFleur said. “The faculty’s been behind us.

The staff, the students, everybody’s been pushing.

We’ve had teachers delivering us water, bananas (in practices and games).

“We’re 25 miles away (from home for Tuesday’s game). Every (playoff) game has been a road

game. So we’ve done all this away from our home, but we still get a crowd like this to travel, and it’s awesome.”

Meadowcreek will be facing a team in Pebblebrook which is also pushing into unprecedented territory, with the secondranked Falcons (19-2) hoping to become the first team from the Mableton school to win a state championship since its girls cross country won the 1977 Class AAA title.

And while Pebblebrook poses quite a challenge with a high-powered offense led by Angel Bonilla, who scored twice in the Falcons’ 3-1 semifinal win over Walton, plus Jair Lopez, the Mustangs don’t expect to change their approach, the one that has gotten them this far.

Three of the four goals

Meadowcreek scored in Tuesday’s win came off counterattacks, with the other coming off a foul in the penalty area on another counter that resulted in a penalty kick.

And with plenty of athleticism from the front line to the back, including leading-scorer Rivas (26 goals) and midfielder Maverick Lobo, it’s an approach that has served the Mustangs well all season.

“That’s something we’ve been doing well all year, and something we practice a lot,” LaFleur said.

“It’s just the counterattack because we’ve got a lot of guys with speed, a lot of guys quick on the ball and a lot of guys who can finish.

“So that’s part of our game, to just kind of run teams and make them kind of adjust to our speed.”

First-time finalists join Grayson Buford, Wesleyan girls ready to take next step in title games set translate into longterm success.”

Lambert (19-3) brings State finals in a No. 1 ranking into the Today What is familiar territory finals, sitting a spot above Class AAAAA Girls At Mercer University for the Grayson girls socSouth Forsyth, which 5 p.m. — Buford cer team this weekend is Grayson defeated 1-0 in vs. McIntosh brand new for Buford and the semifinals. The LongClass A Girls Wesleyan. horns have won 13 straight At Mercer University Both of the Wolves are matches, thanks in large Noon — Wesleyan first-timers in the state part to a stifling defense vs. First Presbyterian championship match, that hasn’t allowed a goal Saturday where Grayson sits for in the playoffs.

Class AAAAAAA Girls the third time in the past They haven’t surAt McEachern four seasons. The Rams rendered a goal in eight 5 p.m. — Grayson vs. Lambert finished as the 2014 state straight matches, a run of runner-up and won the title shutouts that started after a in 2015.

7-3 win over Hilton Head Though it is playing for encourage one another (S.C.) on April 6. the championship again, since Day 1. From fitness Grayson hopes to solve Grayson is considered by testing to 6 a.m. practices, that defense with an attack many to be the surprise this group has stuck tosparked by senior Brittany team among Gwinnett’s gether and broken through Montgomery. three girls finalists. While every barrier that has been “Grayson is a program Buford and Wesleyan set before them. It has been that has proven its domireturned the key parts of a long journey of growth nance over the past five or teams that were ready to reach this point, and the six years,” Luthart said. “If to take the next step, the girls are excited to bring you consider the quality Rams didn’t enter the their best on Saturday players that they’ve had season with as much hype, against Lambert.” and have since moved on particularly after graduatSaturday’s opponent to major collegiate proing Ella Stevens off last is a familiar one for the grams during that time, year’s state playoff team.

Rams, too. They defeated it’s very impressive to see Stevens was the two-time the Lambert girls 5-0 in the them continue to reload Gatorade Georgia Player of 2015 title game. and compete for chamthe Year and the Gatorade Though both teams pionships. … Grayson is National Player of the Year are vastly different now, supremely athletic, and last season. the coaches are the same. they have several weapons A 2-3 start didn’t win Lambert is coached by that can hurt you. Britany believers statewide Scott Luthart, who betany Montgomery is quite — though the three losses gan the Grayson soccer simply one of the best were to teams that have program when the school attacking players we’ve gone deep in the playoffs opened after previously seen this year, and she is a — but Grayson has won 16 coaching at Meadowcreek. nightmare for any team to straight games since a 2-1 He led the Grayson boys game plan for. Their size loss Feb. 28 to Mill Creek. to a share of the state title and experience in the back They enter Saturday’s in 2004. is also a strength, so they 5 p.m. championship at “I find it fun to compete are hard to break down McEachern match ranked against my old school defensively.” third in Class AAAAAAA. as I have fond memories Gwinnett’s other girls “This year’s team is of helping to build that soccer finalists have a a special group,” Grayprogram,” Luthart said. chance to make history son girls coach Rebekah “We had significant suctoday with their first state Bullock said. “They have cess in both the girls and championships. formed a bond both on boys programs while I was Second-ranked Buford and off the field that has there, and it’s always good (17-2-2) crushed topallowed them to push and to see that foundation we ranked and previously

By Will Hammock will.hammock@ gwinnettdailypost.com

PREP SOCCER

unbeaten Whitewater 5-0 in the AAAAA Final Four, setting up a title match with McIntosh (14-6-2).

McIntosh finished as region runner-up and lost 2-1 to Whitewater in the regular season.

The Wolves built a 2-0 halftime lead over Whitewater in the semifinals, then rolled to a 5-0 victory.

The program’s first state final is today at 5 p.m. at Mercer University in Macon.

“We’re not going to change what we do (in the championship),” Buford girls coach Drew Eager said after Tuesday’s win.

“We’ve been very disciplined and business-like in our preparation. We know that McIntosh is a perennial power and our hands will be full. We’re going to be excited to play, have a good game plan going in.

It’ll be fun.”

Wesleyan, (18-3-1) the No. 1 team in Georgia’s smallest classification, posted an impressive 2-0 win over No. 3 Holy Innocents’ in the semifinals.

The only team standing between the Wolves and their first state championship is First Presbyterian, ranked second with a perfect 22-0 record.

First Presbyterian is on a 10-game shutout streak, allowing a goal last March 23 in a 3-1 win over Stratford Academy. Its defense will be tested by Wesleyan’s potent attack led by freshman standout Lucy Mitchell.

“It’s a really sweet feeling to get (to the finals for the first time),” Wesleyan girls coach Lacy Gilbert said. “But we’ve got work to do to get ready.”

I posed this question to Wesleyan girls soccer coach Lacy Gilbert after Tuesday night’s Class A semifinal win at Holy Innocents’ — does Sutton West play volleyball?

It seemed like a logical sport choice for the athletic, 6-foot junior, who scored the second goal in the Wolves’ 2-0 victory in the Final Four.

“No, she doesn’t,” Gilbert said.

“She probably should,” I said.

“Yes, she probably should,” Gilbert said.

“Volleyball, softball, anything really.”

Even without volleyball, a sport in which she would almost certainly excel, West stays plenty busy in athletics. She will be busier than usual this week.

West and her soccer teammates will play for the program’s first state championship today at noon in Macon. Unfortunately, she misses one of her events at the state track and field meet in Rome because the high jump is scheduled for 2 p.m. today.

The soccer final today — it could have been Saturday when the Georgia High School Association released the schedule this week — worked out best for West because she only missed the high jump, though she is one of the top three seeds in that event.

That freed her up Saturday for her four running events at state track.

“They didn’t put out the (soccer) game times until this Monday, so I didn’t know what I would be missing (at track),” West said. “Friday was the best case scenario (for soccer) and I’m glad it worked out for Friday.”

If things go well, West could finish this week with as many as six individual and team state championships. It could have been seven if the high jump didn’t overlap with soccer.

She runs on Wesleyan’s 400- and 1,600-meter relays, both top seeds, and is the No. 2 seed in the 400. She also is one of the top seeds in the 300 hurdles.

Before she tackles those events, she hopes to help Wesleyan make history with its first girls soccer title. The Wolves are in the state championship match for the first time after losing in the semifinals their previous four tries.

“It’s definitely going to be pretty tiring, but I’m definitely excited,” West said. “I was hoping to get there in soccer because we’ve never done it be-

Will Hammock fore. I think this is a great group of girls. They’re all really hard-working and deserve it. I’m just really excited. It’s going to be really tiring but I’m looking forward to it.”

West’s double-duty in spring sports is even more impressive because it’s not the sport she intends to play in college. The junior is a two-guard and small forward in basketball who just helped Wesleyan to another state basketball championship, and still plays basketball competitively during her busy spring to help with recruiting.

Truthfully, she could compete in college in any of her three sports. She is coveted by recruiters for her athletic ability and talent, as well as her 4.2 GPA, which makes her an ideal target for Ivy League and other highacademic schools.

“Sutton is a freak of an athlete,” Gilbert said. “She’s incredible.

She missed the first half of our (soccer) season because of basketball.

To come straight in and start for us is incredible.

She can play anywhere on the field for us. We’ve played her in the back some on the defensive line. We’ve played her midfield. We’ve kind of figured out through the playoffs forward is where she has helped us most.

She just has a great work ethic. She works hard.

Sometimes after (soccer) practice, she leaves and goes to work with the track coaches on handoffs for relays or high jumps.

“She’s making a sacrifice this weekend because she’s qualified (for state) in all five of her (track and field) events. So she’s going to miss the high jump, but fortunately Saturday she’ll still be able to run in four things.

We’ll be there cheering her on. She’s just a great athlete. She works hard.

She doesn’t complain.

She’s a coach’s dream in a lot of ways. To be able to not play soccer all year round and step on the field and make the impact she does, and it’s the same with track and basketball. She’d be good at anything she does.”

Will Hammock can be reached via email at will. hammock@gwinnettdailypost.com.

Wesleyan junior Sutton West (21) fights for the ball during Tuesday’s state semifinal match at Holy Innocents’. (Photo: Will Hammock)

4B • FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

Transition play will be key for Swarm vs. Rock

By Paul Thomas

paul.thomas@ gwinnettdailypost.com

The Georgia Swarm open the playoffs with a familiar foe in the Toronto Rock.

Georgia travels north for Game 1 of the East Division finals on Saturday at 7 p.m. The two teams will return to Infinite Energy Arena on May 20 for Game 2 at 7 p.m. If necessary, Game 3 will be a 10-minute mini-game following Game 2’s conclusion on May 20.

Georgia and Toronto split a pair of overtime games during the regular season, with the visiting team winning each time.

Toronto (10-9) defeated New England 18-10 in the wildcard round to advance, while the top-seeded Swarm (13-5) had a bye.

“I think our games against them have been two of the better games all year,” Swarm head coach Ed Comeau said. “Pretty closely fought and both decided in overtime. I think the big thing for (Toronto) is they’ve really embraced the transition game and I think their ability to create opportunities and score goals in transition makes them really dangerous.”

Toronto has scored just 219 goals this season, but has scored 19 and 18 goals in its last two games. Tom Schreiber’s 94 points on 33 goals and 61 assists lead the team.

Georgia’s defense has improved tremendously this season with just 213 goals allowed, thanks to a .781 save percentage by goalie Mike Poulin, who also ranks second in the league in total saves with 646.

Comeau harped on transition defense as the key for the series with the Rock.

“Tom Schreiber has made a real big difference in their offense being able to not only be a 1-on-1 player, but shoot the ball and feed,” Comeau said.

“Certainly the transition game and being aware of their top scorers is going to

be a big factor for us.”

The Swarm finished the season with the best record in the NLL and the No. 1 offense with 266 goals.

Lyle Thompson led the league in points with 116 on 45 goals and 71 assists.

Georgia had seven players with at least 50 points or more this season.

Shayne Jackson was second to Lyle with 84 points on 39 goals and 45 assists.

Veteran Jordan Hall, in his first season with the team, recorded a quiet 80 points thanks to 60 assists.

“He does so many things for us well and he doesn’t have to have the ball, doesn’t have to score goals to be effective,” Comeau said of Hall. “Him and a couple others are going to have important roles in transition opportunities on Saturday night in Toronto.”

Randy Staats (76 points), Kiel Matisz (70 points), Miles Thompson (57 points) and Johnny Powless (50 points) all had monster seasons as well.

Toronto allowed just 200 goals in the regular season, second only to Colorado’s 199.

Georgia scored 11 and 13 in its two games with Toronto this season. The Swarm average 14.7 goals per game.

“I think every good defense starts with goal tending, their goal tending has been real good all year with Nick Rose in net, and last weekend Brandon Miller went in and played really well,” Comeau said. “I think their goal tending has been very good this year and they’re athletic defensively and they really try to impose their will onto you.

That’s an important aspect of their defense, trying to limit the quality of shots that get taken on net.

“If you take some poor shots, it often leads to transition for them. It’s kind of a double-edged sword.

Their defense dictates sometimes the placement and quality of shots and then that allows them to transition. We have to be smart in both aspects and make sure we’re making good decisions on offense.”

Georgia Swarm forward Lyle Thompson (4) catches a pass from Jordan Hall (20) against the Toronto Rock this season at Infinite Energy Arena. (Photo: Paul Sasso)

Gwinnett Braves pitcher Sean Newcomb earned the win over Toledo in Thursday’s game at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville. (Photo: Karl L. Moore/Gwinnett Braves)

Hustle and flow

Newcomb settles in, G-Braves use speed on basepaths to top Toledo 3-2

By David Friedlander david.friedlander@ gwinnettdailypost.com

LAWRENCEVILLE — The 10:35 a.m. starting time for Thursday’s game against the Toledo Mud Hens got all the Gwinnett Braves off to a bit of a slow start, especially starting pitcher Sean Newcomb.

But the 23-year-old left-hander limited early damage and turned in seven strong innings, and the G-Braves’ bats woke up enough to give him a 3-2 win before a matinee crowd of 8,539 at Coolray Field made up primarily of school children.

Newcomb allowed just three hits and two earned runs with five strikeouts over his seven innings, while Johan Camargo belted a homer and Matt Tuiasosopo drove in a pair of runs to help the GBraves (18-14) take three out of four in the series with Toledo (16-15).

“Yeah, rough first inning, but he settled down after that,” Gwinnett manager Damon Berryhill said. “He started commanding his fastball much better. He showed a good breaking ball also. He was able to mix that in behind in the count a little bit. Really after that first inning, he pitched well the whole game.”

Indeed, Newcomb (2-2) was shaky coming out of the gate, giving up a leadoff single to former Atlanta and Gwinnett Brave Omar Infante and walking three in the first inning.

“

He started commanding his fastball much better.

He showed a good breaking ball also.

He was able to mix that in behind in the count a little bit. Really after that first inning, he pitched well the whole game.”

— G-Braves manager Damon Berryhill on starter Sean Newcomb

But the 6-foot-5, 255-pound lefty managed to escape the jam with only one run scoring on John Hicks’ RBI ground out to trail just 1-0.

“I think in the first (inning), I was just moving a little bit too slow,” Newcomb said. “I need to get up and get going a little faster than I did. I had a couple walks early, so I kind of had to really buckle down real hard. But I just kind of got moving a little quicker, just throughout my motion.

“Even the run was on a weak groundball, so I kind of deserved it at that point after walking three, or walking two (up to) that point, but yeah, it was nice getting out of that with just one (run). I kind of had to work hard to get some innings in after that.”

But after Detroit outfielder J.D. Martinez, down in Triple A on an

injury rehab assignment, hit a solo homer to push the Toledo lead to 2-0 in the third, Newcomb really settled down, retiring 14 of the final 15 hitters he faced and walking just one after the first inning and none after the second.

The G-Braves’ offense also got off to a slow start against William Cuevas (1-3), but finally got the bats going against the right-hander in the bottom of the fourth.

Camargo led off by smashing his third homer of the season, a 407-foot shot onto the berm in right-center, to get the G-Braves on the board and cut the Toledo lead to 2-1.

Lane Adams then pulled Gwinnett even by using his speed later in the inning.

With two outs and Adams on second, Tuiasosopo hit a ball into the hole and beat shortstop Brendan Ryan’s throw to first for an infield single.

Adams never stopped, rounding third and sliding under Hicks’ tag at the plate to tie the game at 2-all.

“It was key,” Berryhill said of the hustle by both Tuiasosopo and Adams on the game-tying play. “(Adams has) been aggressive all season. That’s the kind of player he is. He’s going to go 100 percent.

“He uses his speed to try to make things happen. That’s what we want him to do. He’s kind of a spark.”

Two innings later, Tuiasosopo drove in another run by hustling out a second infield single

in the hole between short and third, with Mel Rojas Jr. scoring from third this time to put the G-Braves in front 3-2.

From there, Berryhill sent Newcomb out for one more inning even after his pitch count had reached 92 by the end of six innings, and the young lefty rewarded that trust with a seven-pitch, 1-2-3 inning in the seventh to give him a second quality start in his last three outings, and solid numbers in his last four outings.

“The fifth and sixth went pretty quick,” Newcomb said. “Really, that definitely helped. I think (Berryhill) was hoping that would keep up there in the seventh, and it did.

That was good. I’m usually not that kind of pitcher, but it’s good to know that I can make some pitches and get guys out quickly.

“The second half or last third or so (of last season in Double A Mississippi) felt good, and it kind of, I don’t want to say carried over, but just having success then and knowing how it felt and what I needed to do kind of helped. I know what I’ve got to do now.”

Rhiner Cruz and Mauricio Cabrera each pitched a scoreless inning, with the latter starting a 1-6-3 double play off the bat of Jason Krizan to lock down his first save of the season and close out the G-Braves’ win.

Rojas, Adams and Tuiasosopo each finished the day 2-for-4 to lead Gwinnett’s eight-hit attack.

GWINNETT GRADS

Grayson’s Benson named Peach Belt player of year

By Will Hammock

will.hammock@gwinnettdailypost.com

Just before the Peach Belt Conference Baseball Tournament got underway, Grayson grad Brandon Benson picked up a big honor.

The Georgia College senior was named the Peach Belt player of the year Tuesday evening, a reward for leading all of NCAA Division II with 21 home runs during the regular season. He also ranked third in RBIs game and has 70 total RBIs. His .379 batting average sparks a Georgia College offense that leads the nation with a .357 team batting average.

Benson, a shortstop, was on the All-Peach Belt team for a second straight season. His conference acclaim came on the heels of last week’s Georgia College Senior Banquet that saw him earn the school’s Senior Male Athlete of the Year Award.

The All-Peach Belt first-team also featured Armstrong’s Ryan Patterson (a South Gwinnett grad), as well as North Georgia teammates Michael Gouge (Brookwood) and Steven Bower (Peachtree Ridge). North Georgia’s Josh Bryan, a Buford grad, made the second team.

BASEBALL Gatewood named player of week Georgia State catcher Nick Gatewood, a Peachtree Ridge grad, was named the Sun Belt Conference player of the week Monday.

Gatewood went 11-for-21 (.524) with three home runs, four RBIs and six runs scored the previous week in four road games, two against Minnesota and two against Texas State. He was 5-for-7 with a homer against Minnesota.

The sophomore leads Georgia

State with a .336 batting average, which is sixth-best in the conference.

SOFTBALL Ablan earns SEC honor Brookwood’s Amanda Ablan was named Southeastern Conference freshman of the week on Monday.

The pitcher held Arkansas hitless for 4 1/3 innings last weekend to earn her second win of the season.

She didn’t allow a baserunner until a walk in the third inning and put one more runner on with a walk in the fifth.

Ablan finished with five strikeouts, tying a season high.

Gwinnett Grads is a column that runs on Fridays spotlighting achievements of past Gwinnett standouts. Coaches and parents are urged to send suggestions via email to will.hammock@gwinnettdailypost.com.

Grayson grad Brandon Benson leads the Peach Belt Conference with 18 home runs. (Special Photo)

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017 • 5B

gwinnettdailypost.com

Blumthal leads North into semis Gwinnett claims

By Brandon Sudge Staff Correspondent

SUWANEE — If Chattahoochee made a mistake, North Gwinnett leader Liz Blumthal was sure to make it sting.

There were plenty of fouls to go around on both sides, but Chattahoochee’s were costlier as Liz the senior Blumthal attacker was given free position on two occasions. Blumthal stood a few feet from the net, and her shot quickly darted past Cougars’ goalkeeper Gabrielle Sharman for a goal.

Her efforts, along with a defense that stymied Chattahoochee, gave North lacrosse a 14-6 victory.

The Bulldogs’ playoff run continues as they clinched their first semifinal berth.

“We had a plan to execute and they did a great job,” North Gwinnett head coach Lindsey Dalton said.

“Everybody wanted to win badly and they got it done, doing everything I asked of them. We always chant, ‘First stop, first draw, first goal’ before every game,

so scoring first always helps us.”

North Gwinnett (20-1) took the opening draw, then the lead within the first minute of play as senior Lauren Friedman found teammate Haley Gorke — who finished with four goals on the night — to take the early lead.

Chattahoochee answered quickly, but the Bulldogs’ pursuit continued as they scored six unanswered goals to take a 7-1 lead into intermission.

The two teams faced off in February, when North Gwinnett walked away with a 16-0 victory.

On a greater stage, it turned out to be a similar result in the rematch.

North Gwinnett had seven different players record a goal or an assist in Thursday’s victory.

“Lacrosse is a team sport,” Blumthal said.

“You can focus on one individual, but it won’t get you as far as we’ve gotten.

You have to share the love.

A lot of us could’ve scored 10 goals tonight, but getting others involved is so important.”

Blumthal, an East Carolina commit, added to her first two opportunities to collect five goals on the night, and 200 for her

four-year career. The milestone came in the waning moments of action, and Blumthal found the net to close her final home game.

Ecstatic about her latest feat, Blumthal indicated the difficulty of collecting goals at a high volume throughout a career as she said many are lucky to tally 100. Nevertheless, the Bulldogs will welcome that production if it leads to more victories as the run continues.

“We talked before the game, because it was obviously a mark that she wanted to hit,” Dalton said. “We talked about that the team was first and that the win was the priority.

When she got that and we won, it was just that much better.”

On the defensive end, the Bulldogs’ aggressiveness was equal to their scoring attack. Chattahoochee would find an opportunity near its goal, but it was either a steal by one of the Gorke sisters or one of many saves from senior goalkeeper Samantha Gladstein that limited the Cougars to six goals.

The bulk of Chattahoochee’s offensive production came from Anna Ogan, who led the team with three goals.

“Samantha is awesome, and we knew no matter what that we were going to be on the road for the rest of the tournament,” Dalton said. “She knew it was her last home game, and she stepped up and performed with one of the best games that she has ever had. It was awesome.”

North Gwinnett will face the winner of Lassiter and Milton — two top-seeded teams — on Wednesday. As a No. 3 seed, the Bulldogs could enter as the underdogs in their first semifinal appearance.

However, there is a sense of belief that this group can inch closer toward the goal of a state title as the eight seniors have been a part of the Bulldogs’ building process for a significant amount of time.

“I’m more confident about this team than I’ve ever been,” Blumthal said.

“This is such a special group. Elite eight, now final four, everything we accomplished this year has been awesome. We have played together for eight years, since fifth grade and we’re a family. We know how to read each other, and we know when to cut.

We just know everything about each other’s game.”

four podium spots in big class 3,200 “We knew what we had to do.”

By the time the last lap ROME — Four runrolled around, the Brookners from Gwinnett wood teammates were County schools claimed out of the top group, but podium spots in the Class that didn’t stop them from AAAAAAA boys’ 3,200 pushing each other to the meters Thursday at Berry end.

College in races that cul“We’re friends, but minated prelims day at we’re competitors as the state track and field well,” Tesfamariam said. championships.

“We definitely don’t want Brookwood’s Gruem the other to beat us.”

Tesfamariam (9:23.46) Milton’s Sam Bowand Patrick Smith ers (9:16.32) took home (9:26.79) led the Gwinnett the title, out-kicking contingent, finishing in Marietta’s Hayden Tullos fourth and sixth, respec(9:18.22). tively.

Parkview’s Christian With a pace that went Corsello (9:30.52) finished out fast, both runners were seventh, while Archer’s surprised but ready for it.

James Cragin (9:32.48) “We went out much was eighth. faster than anything we Gwinnett County runever had done before in ners struggled in the other a two mile,” Smith said. three races, with only “But we were ready for Mill Creek’s Marissa Petit that. It’s state and we (eighth, 11:21.14) finishknew it was going to be ing on top of the podium. aggressive.”

The field events are toTesfamariam said the day, with the 1,600 meters key was holding onto the the only running event of pack and keeping an eye the day. on each other.

Saturday will be the “Mentally, we were finals for all other running ready for this,” he said. events.

By Chris Stephens Staff Correspondent

Getting to Know ... Lindsey Dalton Lindsey Dalton is in her seventh season with the North Gwinnett girls lacrosse program, and fifth as head coach.

The Bulldogs’ appearance in the Class 6A/7A state quarterfinals Thursday was a program first.

Dalton talks about building the North program, coaching while pregnant this season, playing boys ice hockey in high school and more with staff writer Paul Thomas in this week’s edition of “Getting to Know…”

PT: How did you end up at North Gwinnett? And how long have you been there?

LD: I was a senior at Georgia and I was playing club and I got injured my junior year. So my senior year I decided not to play and I had an old friend (Diane Adams) who was the head coach here, actually a friend of my mother’s (Cathy Gipson), because I went to elementary school in this area. She ran into my mom at the orthodontist and then figured out I wasn’t doing anything — well I was going to school — so she asked me to help part-time.

For the first year, in 2011, I drove from Athens to (North) three days a week. It turned out to be more because I just loved coming. So that was my first year in 2011, and then 2012, I subbed for a year after I graduated, because I really wanted to be here but kept coaching fulltime community coach. Then I got hired in the 2012-13 year and became the head coach.

PT: Did you know that coaching was a path you wanted to pursue?

LD: Yeah. So in college I wanted to study student affairs.

I really was into Greek life, I was in a sorority and so I was planning to go to grad school out in Colorado and I had all these plans. Then I met my husband (Connor Dalton) and he’s just a good Southern boy and we knew we were getting serious and so we decided we wanted to stay here. So when I started coaching, I kind of decided I liked high school-aged better than collegeaged kids. Coaching led me into teaching I would say, but I knew I always wanted to work with kids.

PT: You said you went to middle school near here, where did you go to high school?

LD: I went to high school at Northview High School. But I went to Riverside (Elementary) and Suwanee (Elementary) over here.

PT: Have you always lived in this area?

LD: Yes. Haven’t been very far. Moved from here to Johns Creek and then that’s where I went to high school. Then of course, Athens, and now my parents live in Suwanee, too. So five

In her fifth season as the North Gwinnett girls lacrosse coach, Lindsey Dalton has taken the program to new heights in the state playoffs. (Special Photo)

minutes from (North) and they come to all the games, just like I’m playing. Might as well be.

PT: You played on Georgia’s club, so did you play in high school too?

LD: Yep. I started my freshman year. I played ice hockey for a really long time. Then I was on the ice hockey team at Northview, the boys ice hockey team, and I was kind of getting rocked because I was tiny. Then lacrosse was kind of new, even in Fulton still, just Milton and all those Fulton and Cobb schools were playing. So I decided to try out my freshman year, played JV and then made varsity sophomore through senior year.

We were really good my senior year. We were state runner-up and went 20-1. I went to Georgia and played club and loved it.

PT: Was the transition from hockey to lacrosse tough?

LD: There’s lots of similar rules and concepts. I also played softball too, so the catching and stuff wasn’t hard, so I guess I was pretty natural at it, luckily, but I had good coaches over there too.

PT: So hockey, softball, did you play any other sports growing up?

LD: I was also a cheerleader in high school, so I kind of did a lot. I cheered freshman and sophomore year, but then kind of got sick of that. Hurt my back and then went and played varsity softball junior and senior year as a catcher and outfielder.

PT: What position were you in lacrosse?

LD: Attack. So I played behind the net. So I especially connect with our girls who pass and look for assists and things like that.

PT: What was the experience like playing for Georgia’s club?

LD: I got recruited and thought about going to play at a bigger school, had a couple

opportunities to play Division II. Recruiting was different down here back then. But then, I decided to go to Georgia and club was really fun. We practiced four days a week and then in the spring we traveled all the time.

But it allowed me to do other things. I was a Zeta (Tau Alpha), was in Greek life, was involved all over campus with my classes and things like that, so I think it kind of gave me a broad experience. I have two girls going to Georgia this year and I’m really encouraging them to play.

PT: What do you like to do outside of lacrosse and coaching?

LD: There’s not a lot of time. I coach cheerleading here. Honestly when I’m not here with my kids, now I’ve been married for two years, I just like spending time with my husband. We have a dog and now we’re getting ready for our baby, so just painting and building furniture. All our family lives here, his family and my family, so we like to go see them. We like Braves games and Georgia games, that’s kind of our thing.

PT: How did y’all meet?

LD: We actually went to middle school together. We were in ninth grade together and then he went to Parkview. His mother (Allison Samuels) works there, so that’s a fun little rivalry. But he wears all my North Gwinnett stuff. But then we met at a Greek fundraiser freshman year.

We were friends for two years and then he decided he kind of wanted to be more than friends.

Hung out for a while, we dated for seven years before we were married. The best relationships start out as friendships. I don’t know, I didn’t think we would date and here we are married.

PT: What does he do?

LD: He’s in back-up power sales (Power Solutions USA). He sells to companies like Google and Delta. He just did the stuff in the new stadium. So if the power goes out, his stuff keeps the power going.

PT: What’s it been like coaching and being on the sideline pregnant?

LD: It’s been really fun. We knew when were planning to have a family that I wanted to keep coaching. That’s something that my husband is very supportive of, which I love, because I’m here all the time. In the spring I really don’t see him very much.

But I love that, that’s what he wanted. We were lucky enough that God just blessed us with good timing. The baby is due in September. But I also knew that with this group of seniors, this would be a good time. So when I got pregnant I was a little nervous, but I was like, “This group of seniors and their parents are very supportive. My

team is really good this year.” So not to say it would be easy, but all the processes were kind of on autopilot for us.

It was just a matter of keeping it a secret from them for the first 10 weeks. That was really hard, because I would show up to practice and I was sick. Usually I’m throwing and I’m in drills, and I wasn’t doing that. They were suspicious. But once I told them — and we have all these videos and pictures — they’ve been really involved in it. We did our gender reveal at practice and they loved that, so it’s been fun having them so involved and they’re excited. Every single person has been supportive. There hasn’t been anyone, well at least that I’ve heard, that’s like ‘She’s pregnant and wanting to coach.’ I think they just know that I’m really high energy and so to other people I probably seem normal, but to them I’m probably a little bit more reserved this year. I wouldn’t say it’s been difficult at all, it’s just been different.

PT: What’s it been like to build this program to where you guys are now? Obviously you’ve got a really big group of seniors that have been key to that.

LD: This group was my first full four-year group. Because my first year teaching there was another man in charge as the head coach and I was the assistant, then after football season ended he stepped down and I was the interim head coach. So I don’t even really count that group as being quote, unquote mine, because these freshmen — I recruited them their freshman year or they already played, so they’ve been through all four years with me. They’ve been awesome.

It’s just growing interest. Even in the offseason I’m throwing with softball players, basketball players or cheerleaders. Just any semi-athletic kid that shows interest I’m like, ‘Oh lets throw after school.’ That’s where a lot of my free time goes. But the community’s interest has been growing a lot, our NGLA program is fairly big for the girls, compared to a lot of other Gwinnett County schools. We’re still not to where the Lassisters or Miltons and all them are. I just think growing interest in the sport has been important. Watching them get so much better has been fun. I do feel accomplished for being here, and I don’t plan to go anywhere else anytime soon. As long as teaching keeps going well here, but it’s going to be up and down for the next couple years. We’ve been up, up, up and hopefully we can keep doing that.

PT: Do you think having Mill Creek kind of growing at the same rate has helped the sport in the area having those

two programs?

LD: Yeah. (Mill Creek head coach Brain Williamson) and I talk a lot and I think our programs are very similar. They have a bigger youth program, but as far as his and my philosophies are probably the same in kind of how we coach our kids to be tough competitors, but we expect a lot of them at school and stuff. I think parents respect that, so when their kids, if they have a girl coming into the ninth grade, we’re still at the point where someone new can play.

So I think the reputation that the team has, it’s the same over there at Mill Creek, people are like, “Well you play volleyball, let’s try to do lacrosse in the spring.”

Both of us have grown a lot in the last year, kind of put Gwinnett on the map I guess.

PT: Do you have any favorite TV shows on the DVR? LD: We like “MasterChef.”

We like to cook. My husband is a good cook. And just whenever the Braves are playing.

PT: What’s your favorite meal?

LD: Oh, gosh.

PT: I know it may be different at the moment.

LD: I know. Anything my husband cooks. He cooks really southern, so meatloaf, he makes homemade fries those are really good. Right now I’ll eat anything salty. You don’t want my favorite food right now because it’s probably weird — Chinese food, that’s what I want right now.

PT: What are your plans for moving the program forward?

LD: Obviously we would like to go further in the playoffs and hopefully we’ll do that this year.

I think the plan for next year is to add another coach into our staff. Eric Wright came on and he’s been awesome for JV, but there’s a football coach coming in, a guy who played high school lacrosse, and it’s just really hard to get people with experience here. So I think adding an assistant with lacrosse experience would be tremendously great.

Melody (Ussery) has been great, but she played college basketball and soccer and she’s actually moving back to Hawaii, and just when she’s getting really good with the stick. (Before the first round against Grayson) we were warming up and I said, “How many teams in the state have two female coaches who can shoot on their goalie?”

Really the answer is like four, so I need to find a new assistant and just keep growing interest.

We need more freshmen every year, so I need to probably get more — after the baby comes — get more involved in the eighth grade program. Just showing myself, going to their games and showing up at practices and things like that.

6B • FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

FANS CHOICE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Who: Spence Johns School: Hebron Christian Sport: Baseball Class: Senior Highlights: Hit three home runs and had seven RBIs in Game 2, in addition earning the pitching victory, as the Lions won 11-1 to complete a state playoff sweep of Walker Coach Ben Drust’s take: “Spence is the type of studentathlete that every coach wants to coach and watch succeed. He is a great baseball player and great student, but his character sets him apart from everything else.”

Track •From Page 1B Chelsea Igberaese hit 138-4 on her first discus throw of the day and that mark was better than every other competitor throughout the competition — except for her sister. Elsie Igberaese sent her first throw 139-5 for a slight lead on her older sister.

Already with a finals spot secure, Chelsea unleashed her eventual winning distance of 148-8 on her third throw. Elsie’s third throw also was her best at 141-2.

With three throws left in the finals and a good distance already in her corner, Chelsea used her final three throws to gun for the state record of 154-8. She fouled on all three of those attempts.

“I was aiming for the state record, but I got (the title) done, so I’m fine with it,” Chelsea said.

Jefcoat, a Tennessee recruit, had state title hopes but faced a showdown with another top pole vaulter, Courtney Long of Allatoona. Jefcoat and Long both cleared 12-0, then Long topped 12-6 on her second attempt at that height. Jefcoat missed on all three of her tries at 12-6.

Dacula also got points

in the day’s final event, the 1,600, from Kenedi Rodney. The senior ran eighth for much of the race, but surged late to take sixth in 5:14.58.

The Buford girls, one of the top state title contenders in the team standings, got off to a nice start in the AAAAA meet.

They figure to score lots of points with a strong group of runners Saturday, but they also got a nice boost in Thursday’s field events.

Berkley Berrett (pole vault, 9-6) and Kimberly Harris (long jump, 18-8) each gave the Wolves second-place finishes, while Erin Marsh (fifth, high jump, 5-2) and Zikaya Wright (sixth, discus, 113-7) also scored.

Marsh, a Duke signee, also is one of Buford’s top runners.

The Wolves are second in the girls team standings with 23 points, trailing Fayette County’s 40.

The Buford boys got points from Dontarius Bailey (third, high jump, 6-2) and Demontre Bennett (eighth, high jump, 6-0). Lanier had two girls placers, Morgan Manley (seventh, long jump, 18-0 1/4) and Mya Williams (eighth, high jump, 5-2).

gwinnettdailypost.com

Panthers fall in 1-0 heartbreaker

By David Friedlander david.friedlander@ gwinnettdailypost.com

LILBURN — As big a factor as pitching and defense are in playoff baseball, it should come as little surprise that both were factors in Game 3 of Parkview’s Class AAAAAAA state quarterfinal series with Woodstock.

But while both teams had the former going, it was the Wolverines who had the better of the latter, which spelled the difference in their 1-0 win over the Panthers on Thursday at Hugh Buchanan Field, thus taking the best-ofthree series.

Not that Parkview (31-6) didn’t make solid contact throughout the deciding game, but Woodstock (2514) always seemed to have a player in just the right position to make the play.

And even when there wasn’t a fielder in the right spot, the Wolverines found ways to make plays, something they did throughout the series by making only two errors in 20 innings of play.

“All credit goes to Woodstock,” Parkview coach Chan Brown said.

“They played a great series, especially coming back in Games 2 and 3 (after the Panthers won the opener 13-3). We hit the ball great in this game, but just right at people.

There’s nothing we can do about that. It’s called baseball. Good baseball game, I wish all the luck to (Woodstock).”

Parkview got yet another

•From Page 1B

Dacula pole vaulter Hannah Jefcoat clears 12 feet at the Class AAAAAA state championships Thursday in Carrollton. (Photo: David McGregor)

Wolfe the workload off Wood, something the longtime Buford baseball program, A.D. and former Wolves Wolfe has amassed a 441- football coach says he is 178 record that includes grateful for. eight region championAnd he said he couldn’t ships, 16 state playoff think of anyone better appearances and six state suited for the job than semifinal appearances, Wolfe. including the state titles “I just want to step in Class AA in 2011 and back a little,” said Wood, Class AAAA in 2015. who has been Buford’s And while he won’t athletic director since necessarily make the final 1999, four years after he decision, he will play a came to the school as its role, along with Wood head football coach. “It’s and Buford City Schools a great deal of paperwork superintendent Dr. Geye and being in the office.

Hammy, in selecting his (Wolfe) will help with the successor. day-to-day details, and “I’ll be involved in the he’s very detail-oriented. interviewing process,” “Tony comes from a Wolfe said. “As far as the unique perspective in that final decision, in light he’s won multiple state of (Buford principal) championships as a coach Dr. (Banks) Bitterman in two major sports. He recently stepping down was an assistant with (at the end of the school me in football when we year), (Hamby) will aswon championships. sume some of that role, There’s no coach, proband Coach Wood will be ably, anywhere with more involved. credentials than Tony. …

“I’ve been thankful to He’s paid his dues … and have had the opportuI’m real excited about nity to coach (baseball) his opportunity to help so long. I’ve been blessed me out with some of the with so many great players bigger picture things, yet and great administrators maintaining his softball and awesome families.” duties. It’s a win-win for Wolfe’s new duties will me. It’s sad for the baseinclude a lot of adminball program, but he’ll istrative aspects that play a role in picking his will help take some of successor.”

•From Page 1B

Parkview players watch as Woodstock celebrates on the field during Thursday’s state playoff game at Parkview in Lilburn. (Photo: Karl L. Moore)

complete-game from its starting pitcher, with lefthander Robert Bennett (5-2) going all six innings, allowing just four hits and one earned run with four strikeouts over six innings, joining Caleb Mitchell and Braden Hays in holding Woodstock to just seven runs — four earned — in the entire series.

But he was matched Thursday by Wolverines lefty Josiah Siegel (4-4), who was effective pitching to his defense and was solid with his control most of the game to go the distance, limiting the Panthers to only three hits in the complete-game shutout.

“He did a great job keeping the Parkview hitters off-balance, and he was able to work a three-pitch mix in,” first-year Woodstock coach Jeff Brown said. “Once he kind of got through that first inning, he

kind of settled in. We made some really great plays behind him. (Parkview) really hit the ball hard pretty much the whole game, (but) we just happened to be in the right spot.

“We were able to some (scouting) information on them, and it’s easier (to position the defense) after you see them in the first two games. Then you can kind of game plan a little bit and fine-tune it a little for Game 3. We felt like we had the guys in the right position. Sometimes it works out for you and sometimes it doesn’t. It did (Thursday).”

Siegel struggled with his control in the top of the first, walking Isaiah Byars to lead off the game and then hitting Logan Cerny to put runners on first and second with nobody out.

But after Byars moved to third on Jonathan French’s

fly out to right, Woodstock second baseman Spencer Keith climbed the ladder to snag Cody Collett’s smash, and Siegel got Bennett to ground out to first to keep Parkview off the scoreboard.

Caleb Bartolero then gave Siegel and the Wolverines what turned out to be the only run of the game, and the only one they would need, with his solo home run to center to lead off the second.

And from that point, neither pitcher would budge, though Siegel got help from his defense in two more critical junctions of the game.

After Byars’ two-out double to right-center put the tying run in scoring position in the top of the fifth, Cerny sent a rocket of a line drive towards right field, only to have it fall harmlessly into the glove of Justin Bailey, who barely had to move to make the catch.

One inning later, it looked like Parkview had a rally brewing when French led off with a hard-hit single to left.

Collett then sent another hot shot up the middle that initially looked ticketed for center, but shortstop Brennan Malone needed to take only two steps to his left to field the ball and step on second base before throwing on to first to kill the Panthers’ potential uprising.

“He’d been hitting it up the middle all series,” Jeff Brown said of Collett. “He just happened to hit it right at us. Sometimes that’s just how baseball is.”

Hawks

said of his junior starter.

“He knows his teammates first, after a single and a are going help make plays walk, he escaped with a behind and I think that’s line drive to Dylan Wilson where the maturity comes at short, who was able to in. He doesn’t have to do it flip to it to second for an all himself. There’s situainning-ending double play. tions where you need a big After two North Pauldpunch-out and he knows ing walks in the sixth, when to deliver that, but Wilson again provided the he knows, ‘I just need to relief with a web gem of a keep the game going. We flip on a grounder up the don’t need to walk people middle to second baseman and have hiccups that way.’

Ridge Stanton for a 6-4-3 That’s just showing the double play. maturity of a kid that’s not Sharpe picked up the only special, but is going to win as he gave up just one be really, really special.” hit, three walks and struck Mill Creek took a 2-0 out seven in six innings. lead in the bottom of the He retired 11 straight batsecond inning on an RBI ters in between the two single by Beau Jones and double plays. an RBI double by Phillip “He just competes,” Jones Green.

In the fourth inning, the Hawks broke the game wide open on a two-run single by Kirk and an RBI double by Jay Pendley.

Kirk’s single came with the bases loaded after Wilson — who was 2-for-2 with a stolen base and a sacrifice fly — singled, Beau Jones walked and Alek Boychuk was hit by starter Chandler Wood.

Stanton struck out on a bunt foul as he tried a squeeze with one out, before Kirk and Pendley each delivered with two outs.

“They were throwing me fastballs early in the count and I just tried to jump on them early,” Kirk said of his three-hit day.

The two teams split

Wednesday’s double header with a pair of extra innings games. Mill Creek won the opener 5-3 in eight innings, and North Paulding took Game 2, 2-0 in nine innings.

Mill Creek will host Etowah, a 3-1 winner over Brookwood.

“It’s been a long, exhausting two days, just tons of respect for (Wolfpack head coach Dennis Jordan) and his program,” Doug Jones said. “He’s legend as far as I’m concerned. Just one of the coaching greats, so to be able to go up against him and his ball club was neat.

It’s a bucket list thing for me. Just proud of the kids and we’ll see who’s next.”

Broncos •From Page 1B

Brookwood also squandered a leadoff double in in scoring position. the fourth from DiSpigna “He found a way (to get but finally got to Keene out of trouble),” Etowah in the sixth when Tim head coach Greg Robinson Martin came through with said. “There’s no weak a two-out single to plate links in that Brookwood Twardoski. lineup and you can’t take a Keene was taken out pitch off. We were fortuafter the sixth with Jackson nate to get a couple of runs First pitching the seventh early.” and retiring the side by setThose couple of runs ting down the Broncos in Robinson cited came in the order for the save. bottom of the first when Keene also had a good singles from Drew Waters day at the plate, going and Keene put two Eagles Brookwood pitcher Lucas Brieske (8) looks in on the pitch 3-for-3 with two doubles, (24-15) on first and second against an Etowah batter during Thursday’s state playoff while Tovey led Brookgame at Brookwood in Snellville. (Photo: Karl L. Moore) with one out. wood with a 2-for-3 night.

Jackson Sisk followed “I’m really proud of this with another single to load Etowah tacked on Flood. “He hadn’t thrown group of seniors,” Martin the bases, and Weston another run in the top of much for us this year said. “They did an aweCampbell drove in the first the second with a long and really came through some job. They helped us run of the night with a solo homer to center from tonight.” win back-to-back region ground out to second.

Waters.

Brookwood looked like championships and showed Brookwood starter Waters, who homit was going to chip into a lot of heart.”

Lucas Brieske then walked ered twice in Game 1 the Etowah lead in the Etowah, which has been Brandon Marcus to load on Wednesday, finished third inning when Will on the road the entire postthe bases, and the next run Thursday 2-for-3 with one Banfield started a rally season, will continue that came home when Nikko RBI and two runs. with a one-out single. trend next Wednesday with Cho was hit by a pitch for Breiske would be lifted Banfield was lifted for a trip to Mill Creek, who the 2-0 lead. after the second inning, pinch runner Ty King reached the semis with a Brookwood got its finishing with three earned Richards, who reached win over North Paulding. first two runners on in runs on five hits with one third after Davis Tovey “We don’t know anythe second when Angelo walk and one strikeout. singled to right center. thing about them,” RobDiSpigna reached on an erAlex Flood followed in Twardoski then hit a fly inson said of Mill Creek. ror followed by a single to relief and did a tremendous ball to center that allowed “But we’ve had to play our left from Spencer Lewis. job in keeping Brookwood Richards to come home butts off just to get into the But a failed sacrifice in the game with four on the sac fly, but Etowah playoffs and I just can’t bunt led to the first out, and scoreless innings, striking appealed that he left third say enough about the way Keene extinguished the out three, walking one and too early with the umpire we’ve responded. These rally with a strikeout and a giving up just two hits. confirming the appeal to guys have proven their fielder’s choice to end the “He did a really awetake the much-needed run resilience and it has carried threat. some job,” Martin said of off the board. over into the playoffs.”

0512_GDP_FRI_CLASS_Classifieds 5/11/2017 4:07 PM Page B7

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FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017 • B7

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017 PUBLIC HEARINGS

CONSTRUCTION/ SERVICE BIDS ADVERTISEMENT TO BID The City of Peachtree Corners is seeking bids for the completion of Winters Chapel Road and East Jones Bridge Road Pedestrian Crossings. The proposed improvements consist of the addition of a mid-block crossing, installation of a rapid flashing beacon, construction of ADA compliant wheel chair ramps, the provision for traffic control and permanent signage, pavement markings and concrete island.

For more information and the bid documents and specifications please visit the City of Peachtree Corners’ Website at http://www.peachtreecornersga.gov/businesses/ doing-business-with-thecity/rfp-bidding 9 0 2 - 4 8 6 4 2 1 , 5/12,19,26,6/2,9 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RFP NO: RFQ/P-17-2 Pinnacle Park Design Build 250 Pinnacle Way, Norcross, GA 30071 Proposals for Pinnacle Park Design Build will be received by the City of Norcross at the Department of Public Works, Utilities & Parks, 345 Lively Avenue, Norcross, GA 30071 Thursday, May 25, 2017 by 1:00pm. Any proposals received after the designated closing time will be returned unopened.

The project will consist of the design and construction of Pinnacle Park, which will serve as both a trailhead and trail terminus for a future greenway project including multi-use trail segment along Beaver Ruin Creek. The project work area surrounds a small lake which is also a functioning detention facility.

Additionally it will contain a playground, picnic shelters, large pavilion, and many unique passive and active amenities. Full details can be found at the following link: http://www.norcrossga.net/ bids.aspx?bidID=64 An original and one (1) paper copy a total of two (2) plus 1 copy of the proposal on CD in PDF or other electronic format of the proposal shall be submitted in sealed envelopes/packages addressed to Mary Beth Bender, Director of Public Works, Utilities & Parks / ACM, City of Norcross and marked Pinnacle Park Design Build, RFQ/P-17-2.

Proposers desiring information for use in preparing proposals may obtain a set of such documents from the Department of Public Works, Utilities & Parks Office, 345 Lively Avenue, Norcross, GA 30071 Telephone (678) 4212069 or copies of the RFP NO: RFQ/P-17-2 requirements may also be obtained by sending an email request to Melissa Zeigler at melissa. zeigler@norcrossga.net.

A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on June 6, 2017 at 1pm with a City Representative to discuss the City’s requirements under this RFP. Meeting will take place at 345 Lively Avenue, Norcross, GA 30071 The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals and to waive any technicalities or irregularities therein. The City further reserves the right to award the contract to the proposer whose proposal best complies with the RFP NO: RFQ/P-17-2 requirements.

Proposers may not withdraw their proposal for a period of ninety (90) days from the date set for the opening thereof.

902-486108, 5/5,12 OPENING BID FOR RFQ2017-001 Design Build Construction Services Municipal Facility Bid starting date is 4/21 and the closing date is 5/22 For more opening bid information please go to: www. peachtreecornersga.gov 9 0 2 - 4 8 4 6 2 4 , 4/28,5/5,12,19

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE NOTICE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE REQUEST An application for an alcohol beverage permit to serve beer, wine and distilled spirits has been filed with the City of Norcross Georgia by the following party at the following location, to wit Application / owner SANDRA H. BROOKS Registered agent REBECCA BUSBY-MAIELLO Business Name FARMHOUSE 17 dba (PEACH SALSA, LLC) Location: 141 S. PEACHTREE ST. NORCROSS, GA 30071 9 0 4 - 4 8 7 1 9 2 , 5/12,17,19,24,26,31,6/2, 7,9,14

PUBLIC HEARINGS PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF DACULA The public is hereby notified that the City of Dacula has rescheduled the Planning Commission Public Hearing and the City Council Work Session for the month of May 2017. The new dates and times are as follows: Planning Commission Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday May 30, 2017 at 7:00 PM. The City Council Work Session will be held on Thursday May 25, 2017 at 7:00 PM. Both meetings will take place at Dacula City Hall, 442 Harbins Road, Dacula Ga. 30019.

928-487199, 5/12 THE CITY OF NORCROSS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING A Public Hearing will be held before the Norcross Mayor & Council on Monday, Jun 5th, 2017 at 6:30 pm for a Public Hearing for the purpose of due process of the following: SUP2017-0001, Special Use Permit for the property addressed at 2185 Beaver R

Ruin Rd., Norcross, GA 30071 for the purpose of a Special Use Permit to repurpose the site for an Express Car Wash commercial use.

For further information please call the Community Development Department at 678-421-2067.

928-487200, 5/12 STATEWIDE WRECKER SERVICE INC. 2775 SIMPSON CIRCLE NORCROSS, GA 30071 PHONE: 770-381-1140 FAX: 770-935-9651 ABANDONED VEHICLES: RE: Master Tow Car Dolley Trailer NO VIN VIN LICENSE PLATE NO. NO TAG COLOR WHITE TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The above trailer was initially removed from 908 Pinecrest Circle located in Lilburn, Georgia. It is presently located at 770-3811140 at 2775 Simpson Circle in Norcross, Georgia, in possession of Statewide Wrecker Service, Inc. Attempts to locate the owner have been unsuccessful. The trailer is deemed abandoned under O.C.G.A. 40-11-2 and will be disposed of if not redeemed.

This notice is given pursuant to Georgia Law. RE: 2014 TaoTao Scooter VIN L9NTEACB7E1172840 LICENSE PLATE NO. NO TAG COLOR RED/BLACK TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The above scooter was initially removed from 950 Marietta Street in Marietta, Ga. It is presently located at 770-381-1140 at 2775 Simpson Circle in Norcross, Georgia, in possession of Statewide Wrecker Service, Inc. Attempts to locate the owner have been unsuccessful. The scooter is deemed abandoned under O.C.G.A. 40-11-2 and will be disposed of if not redeemed. This notice is given pursuant to Georgia Law. RE: 1998 Kawasaki KX250 Dirtbike VIN JKAKXMKC3WA033610 LICENSE PLATE NO. NO TAG COLOR BLUE TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The above dirtbike was initially removed from 520 Brand Road in Loganville, Ga. It is presently located at 770-381-1140 at 2775 Simpson Circle in Norcross, Georgia, in possession of Statewide Wrecker Service, Inc. Attempts to locate the owner have been unsuccessful. The dirtbike is deemed abandoned under O.C.G.A. 40-11-2 and will be disposed of if not redeemed. This notice is given pursuant to Georgia Law. 928-486193, 5/5,12

NOTICE OF ABANDONED VEHICLE The following motor vehicle, advertised pursuant to O.C.G.A. Code Section 4011-2, is being stored at: 259 North Price Road Sugar Hill, GA 30518 1969 Dodge Charger Color: Black VIN# XP29F9B173660 STORED AT: 1386 Indian Trail-Lilburn Rd #100 Norcross, GA 30093 Color: Silver VIN# 1N4BA41E98C806118 2008 NISSAN MAXIMA This vehicle is deemed abandoned and will be disposed of if not claimed by the legal owner or lienholder by 5-19-17 928-486165, 5/5,12 NOTICE City of Duluth Designation of Open Records Officers Order: In accordance with, and pursuant to, OCGA Sec. 5018-71 (b)(2), the City Clerk hereby designates the following individuals as Open Records Officers: June Sizemore, Administrative Records Supervisor Ed Johnson, Human Resources Manager Lori Edelkind, Courts Administrative Assistant Jessica Lake, Police Records Supervisor 928-487231, 5/12

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS There will be sold at public outcry for cash at Willard Wrecker Service, 719 W Shadburn Avenue, Buford, GA 30518, on May 20, 2017 at 11:00 AM, the following vehicles declared abandoned or foreclosed vehicles pursuant to O.C.G.A Section 4011-05, as follows: # Year Make Model VIN 1 2003 Kawasaki ZR750 JKAZRDH113A010806 2 2007 Freightliner Business Class M2 1FVACXDC57HZ43168 3 1997 Freightliner FLD 2FUYDSYB4VA608147 4 2005 Freightliner Columbia 1FUJA6CG45LU80684 5 2004 Honda CRF70 JH2DE02084K704805 6 2003 Saab 9-3 YS3DF75K037005108 7 2003 Honda Shadow JH2PC21303M400400 8 1998 Nissan Sentra 3N1AB41D4WL052351 9 2008 Nissan Sentra

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

3N1AB61E68L651470 10 2000 Nissan Altima 1N4DL01D1YC113661 11 2004 Ford Taurus 1FAFP53U44A106622 12 1993 Ford Ranger 1FTCR10X9PUC97827 13 2002 Freightliner ST120 1FUJBBCG32LJ08044 14 2007 Freightliner Classic XL 1FUJAPAV67DW77361 15 2008 Freightliner ST120 1FUJBBCK08LAB3274 16 2004 Chevrolet Impala 2G1WF52E749442194 17 1993 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight Royale 1G3HN53L8PH332805 18 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 1J4FX58S5WC263773 19 2001 Ford Focus 3FAFP31321R188205 20 2010 Kia Sportage KNDKG3A33A7726667 21 2006 Nissan Altima 1N4AL11D16C260388 22 2000 Ford Explorer 1FMZU72X9YZA73918 23 1999 Nissan Sentra 3N1AB41D6XL091797 24 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe KM8SC83DX1U087473 25 2006 Mercedes-Benz C280 WDBRF54H16A831494 26 2005 Chevrolet Classic 1G1ND52F65M183471 27 2007 Toyota Camry Solara 4T1CE30P67U758470 28 2011 TaoTao Scooter L9NTEACB8B1007536 29 2004 Dodge Stratus 1B3EL36T44N146167 30 1998 Honda Civic 1HGEJ6622WL004929 31 1997 Ford Explorer 1FMDU32E1VUC55607 32 2009 Hyundai Elantra KMHDU46D49U590857 33 1997 Ford Ranger 1FTCR10X4VUA32164 34 2001 Honda CBR600 JH2PC35001M206386 35 2000 Ford Expedition 1FMRU1562YLB59574 36 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 1D7HA16K07J521504 37 2001 Toyota Corolla 1NXBR12E81Z559606 38 2003 Pontiac Grand Am 1G2NF52E83C333645 39 1992 Honda Accord 1HGCB7675NA057737 40 2007 Audi Q7 WA1AY74L97D076503 41 2001 Nissan Sentra 3N1CB51D11L420640 42 2002 Honda Odyssey 2HKRL186X2H503702 43 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 2G1WW12E229154112 44 2000 Ford F150 2FTZF1726YCA32720 45 2002 Nissan Sentra 3N1CB51D72L680784 46 1999 Ford Explorer 1FMZU32E3XZA13106 929-486219, 5/5,12,19

PUBLIC AUCTION LIFE STORAGE FORMELLY UNCLE BOB’S STORE #413 PUBLIC SALE In accordance with the provisions of State Law, there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or manager’s lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at Life Storage formelly Uncle Bob`s Store 413–875 Marathon Parkway Lawrenceville, Ga 30046; And, due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the below stated location(s) to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of AUCTION DATE: Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 10:30 AM Space No. C u s t o m e r Inventory Name 2086 Michael Schmidt Household.

3014 Jerome S Thompson Household Goods/Furniture, TV/Stereo Tools/AppliEquipment, ances.

4061 Jarrett Mingo Household Goods/Furniture, Office Furn/Machines/Equip, TV/ Stereo Equipment.

2181 Thomas Morgan Household Godds/Furniture, Tools/Appliances.

929-486191, 5/5,12

Y CERRADOS DE ACUERDO A OCGA 40-11-5 NUEVA LOCALIZACION 770-381-1140 www.swsatlanta.com 2006 Mercedes-Benz S350 WDBNF67J26A471428 2006 Cadillac STS 1G6DW677960140730 2005 Pontiac G6 1G2ZG528054149774 2008 Chrysler 300 2C3KA43R68H176828 2001 Ford Escape 1FMYU04141KA74274 2008 Nissan Altima 1N4AL21EX8C196918 2001 Volvo Cross Country YV1SZ58DX11022211 2007 Chrysler Aspen 1A8HX58237F519111 Small Dumpster NO VIN 2002 Buick Lesabre 1G4HP54K72U250799 1997 Honda Civic 1HGEJ8244VL043149 1999 Cadillac Seville 1G6KY5497XU905574 2004 Hyundai Elantra KMHDN46D94U709010 2003 Ford Explorer 1FMZU72KX3UC47005 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 3GNEC16T91G104415 2007 Toyota Camry 4T1BE46K27U188724 2005 Honda Accord 1HGCM56145A180343 1971 Buick Riviera 494871H920199 2005 Chrysler Town and Country 2C4GP54L75R127708 2002 Lexus IS 300 JTHBD192520036498 2011 Hyundai Genesis KMHHT6KD5BU043429 1988 Dodge Ram 50 JB7FL25E2JP072540 2001 Volvo V70 YV1SW58DX11130854 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan 2D4GP44L95R361359 2003 Saturn VUE 5GZCZ63B93S847495 1986 Buick Regal 1G4GM47YXGP207949 2002 Chevrolet Blazer 1GNCS13W62K146771 2010 Scooter Chopper NO VIN Pallet Jack Serial #027245 1999 Chrysler Concorde 2C3HD46J0XH596882 2001 Ford Crown Victoria 2FAFP74W81X145468 2005 Lincoln Navigator 5LMFU28515LJ22553 2011 Ford Focus 1FAHP3GN2BW184428 2009 Audi A4 WAUSF78KX9N035745 2001 Toyota Camry 4T1BG22K41U070296 1993 BMW 325i WBABF4315PEK07786 1993 Cadillac Eldorado 1G6EL13B8PU600125 2004 Nissan Maxima 1N4BA41E04C901502 2007 Mazda Mazda3 JM1BK12F271717921 2000 Lexus GS 300 JT8BD68S4Y0091578 2004 Ford Crown Victoria 2FAFP74W24X133188 2002 Jeep Liberty 1J4GK48K52W306899 2000 Honda Accord 1HGCG2259YA024463 2003 Honda Accord JHMCM56603C022429 2003 Nissan 350Z JN1AZ34E93T004572 2003 Dodge Durango 1D4HR38N13F551066 2004 Honda Odyssey 5FNRL18884B133868 *** REBUILT *** 2000 Toyota Rav4 JT3GP10VXY7075596 1988 Dodge Dakota 1B7FN14X2JS691675 2006 Pontiac G6 1G2ZM151164265034 2004 Yamaha V Star JYAVM01E54A066432 929-486196, 5/5,12

scription charges for these services will be removed after German View is discontinued.

For a complete lineup, visit spectrum.com/channels.

To view this notice online, visit spectrum.net/programmingnotices 929-486728, 5/12

MCCULLOUGH TOWING 4431 BUFORD HWY NORCROSS, GA 30071 770-263-8483 5/9/17 NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE The following vehicle, advertised to O.C.G.A.Code Section 40-11-12, is being stored at 4431 Buford Hwy, Norcross, Ga. 30071. 770263-8483.

This vehicle is being deemed abandoned and will be auctioned or disposed of if not claimed by the legal owner and or lien holder.

The Vehicle was impounded from 3500 Peachtree Corners Cir. Norcross, Ga. On 5/2/17, at the request of the property owner or manager.

2013 Bashan Scooter VIN# LHJTLBBN5DB002457 TAG# No Tag 929-487230, 5/12,19 MCCULLOUGH TOWING 4431 BUFORD HWY NORCROSS, GA 30071 770-263-8483 5/1/17 NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE The following vehicle, advertised to O.C.G.A.Code Section 40-11-12, is being stored at 4431 Buford Hwy, Norcross, Ga. 30071. 770263-8483.

This vehicle is being deemed abandoned and will be auctioned or disposed of if not claimed by the legal owner and or lien holder.

The Vehicle was impounded from 2560 Delk Rd. Marietta, Ga. On 3/29/17, at the request of the property owner or manager.

Scooter VIN# 1J4TCKPC68Y070212 TAG# No Tag 929-486186, 5/5,12 PUBLIC SALE THESE VEHICLES WILL BE SOLD FOR PUBLIC OUTCRY FOR CASH AT STATEWIDE WRECKER SERVICE LOCATED AT 2775 SIMPSON CIRCLE, NORCROSS, GEORGIA AT 10:00 A.M. ON MAY 13, 2017. THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES ARE DECLARED ABANDONED AND FORECLOSED VEHICLES PURSUANT TO OCGA 40-11-5.

ESTOS VEHICULOS SERAN VENDIDOS AL PUBLICO POR DINERO EN EFECTIVO EN STATEWIDE WRECKER SERVICE LOCALIZADO EN 2775 SIMPSON CIRCLE, NORCROSS, GEORGIA A LAS 10:00 A.M. EN 13 MAYO 2017 . LOS SIGUIENTES VEHICULOS AN SIDO DECLARADOS ABANDONADOS Y

SHERIFF’S SALES NOTICE OF JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE BY ORDER OF THE COURT Pursuant to an Order of the Superior Court of Gwinnett County entered on March 15, 2017 against Defendants David Patton and Melanie Patton and the other named Defendants (Civil Action Number 16-A-05878-1) and issued by the Honorable George F. Hutchinson III, the Sheriff of Gwinnett County will on the first Tuesday in June, 2017, during the legal hours of sale at the courthouse door of Gwinnett County, Georgia, sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash the following property in satisfaction of said Order: ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND LYING AND BEING IN LAND LOT 112 OF THE 5TH DISTRICT OF GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA, BEING LOT 16, BLOCK C OF KINGSPORT SUBDIVISION, UNIT TWO, AS PER PLAT RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 29, PAGE 265, GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA RECORDS, WHICH PLAT IS HEREIN INCORPORATED AND MADE A PART HEREOF. SAID PROPERTY IS FURTHER DESCRIBED AS GWINNETT COUNTY TAX PARCEL R5112-134.

Property known as 1321 PROVIDENCE WAY Said property will be sold to satisfy the indebtedness referenced in the Order.

For information regarding this foreclosure, including payoff amounts, please contact: John E. Ramsey The McDeer Firm 4355 Cobb Parkway, Suite J-505 Atlanta, Georgia 30339 Tel: (404) 781-2275 Fax: (404) 949-3851 9 3 1 - 4 8 6 7 1 8 , 5/10,12,17,24,31

FORECLOSURES

PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF DACULA, GEORGIA The Public is hereby notified that on May 30, 2017, at 7:00 PM at Dacula City Hall, 442 Harbins Road, Dacula, Georgia, the Planning Commission will consider the following amendment to the City’s Official Zoning Map. On June 1, 2017, at 7:00 PM at Dacula City Hall, the Mayor and Council will hold a Public Hearing to consider the proposed amendment to the City’s Official Zoning Map and then take action on said proposal.

Applicant: Dacula United Methodist Church, Inc. Dacula United Owner: Methodist Church, Inc. Rezoning: From RA-200 to C1 with special use and annexation The property is located in Land Lot 303 of the 5th District being Tax Parcel No. R5303 087 and contains 14.22 acres more or less.

The site plan, legal description and other information are on file at Dacula City Hall and may be viewed by the public between the hours of 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

934-487233, 5/12

Said property will be sold on an “as-is” basis without any representation, warranty or recourse against the above-named or the undersigned. The sale will also be subject to the following items which may affect the title: any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, whether or not now due and payable); the right of redemption of any taxing authority; matters which would be disclosed by an accurate survey or by an inspection of the property; all zoning ordinances; assessments; liens; encumbrances; restrictions; covenants, and any other matters of record superior to said Security Deed.

To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the owner and party in possession of the property is KIMBERLEY A DOBBELMANN, PHILLIP E DOBBELMANN, or tenants(s).

The sale will be conducted subject (1) to confirmation that the sale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (2) to final confirmation and audit of the status of the loan with the holder of the Security Deed.

Please note that, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 44-14-162.2, you are not entitled by law to an amendment or modification of the terms of your loan. The entity having full authority to negotiate, amend or modify all terms of the loan (although not required by law to do so) is: Regions Mortgage, Loss Mitigation Dept., 7130 Goodlett Farms Cordova, TN Parkway, 38016, Telephone Number: 800-748-9498.

REGIONS BANK DBA REGIONS MORTGAGE SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO UNION PLANTERS BANK N.A. as Attorney in Fact for KIMBERLEY A DOBBELMANN, PHILLIP E DOBBELMANN THE BELOW LAW FIRM MAY BE HELD TO BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, UNDER FEDERAL LAW. IF SO, ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Attorney Contact: Rubin Lublin, LLC, 3145 Avalon Ridge Place, Suite 100, Peachtree Corners, GA 30071 Telephone Number: (877) 813-0992 Case No. REG-1702552-1 Ad Run Dates 05/10/2017, 05/17/2017, 05/24/2017, 05/31/2017 w w w. r u b i n l u b l i n . c o m / property-listings.phpc 9 5 0 - 4 8 7 2 7 1 , 5/12,17,24,31

FORECLOSURES NOTICE OF SALE UNDER POWER GEORGIA, GWINNETT COUNTY By virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Security Deed from KIMBERLEY A DOBBELMANN, PHILLIP E DOBBELMANN to UNION PLANTERS BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, dated July 28, 2003, recorded October 16, 2003, in Deed Book 35406, Page 0245, Gwinnett County, Georgia Records, said Security Deed having been given to secure a Note of even date in the original principal amount of Two Hundred Seventy-Six Thousand Four Hundred Fifty and 00/100 dollars ($276,450.00), with interest thereon as provided for therein, said Security Deed having been last sold, assigned and transferred to REGIONS BANK DBA REGIONS MORTGAGE SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO UNION PLANTERS BANK N.A., there will be sold at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash at the Gwinnett County Courthouse, within the legal hours of sale on the first Tuesday in June, 2017, all property described in said Security Deed including but not limited to the following described property: ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND LYING AND BEING IN THE ROCKY CREEK DISTRICT GMD NO. 1587 (LAND LOT 1—2ND HEADRIGHT DISTRICT); GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA, BEING SHOWN AND DESIGNATED AS LOT 6, BLOCK H, OF STERLING GREEN AT APPALACHEE FARMS SUBDIVISION. (FORMERLY APPALACHEE FARMS UNIT TWO) BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED PER FINAL PLAT OF STERLING GREEN AT APPALACHEE FARMS, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 64, PAGE 260, GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA RECORDS, WHICH PLAT IS HEREIN INCORPORATED AND MADE A PART HEREOF

BY REFERENCE. Said legal description being controlling, however the property is more commonly known as 2655 PRESTON RIDGE LN, DACULA, GA 30019.

The indebtedness secured by said Security Deed has been and is hereby declared due because of default under the terms of said Security Deed and Note. The indebtedness remaining in default, this sale will be made for the purpose of paying the same, all expenses of the sale, including attorneys’ fees (notice to collect same having been given) and all other payments provided for under the terms of the Security Deed and Note.

S

ZONINGS PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF DACULA, GEORGIA The Public is hereby notified that on May 30, 2017, at 7:00 PM at Dacula City Hall, 442 Harbins Road, Dacula, Georgia, the Planning Commission will consider the following amendment to the City’s Official Zoning Map. On June 1, 2017, at 7:00 PM at Dacula City Hall, the Mayor and Council will hold a Public Hearing to consider the proposed amendment to the City’s Official Zoning Map and then take action on said proposal.

Applicant: Dacula United Methodist Church, Inc. Owner: Dacula United Methodist Church, Inc. Special Use Request: A special use permit to continue as a place of worship in a commercial zone The property is located in Land Lot 303 of the 5th District being Tax Parcel R5303 087 and contains 14.22 acres more or less.

The site plan, legal description and other information are on file at Dacula City Hall and may be viewed by the public between the hours of 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

934-487234, 5/12

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SPECTRUM CHANNEL LINEUP Communities Served: Gwinnett County & Roswell, GA Effective on or after May 31, 2017, the following changes will be made to your channel lineup: RTL International will cease transmission on channels 420 & 805. German View will no longer be available, which includes One World Sports on channels 299 & 891. Monthly sub-

ZONINGS

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Driver

DEDICATED ACCOUNT Now Hiring Regional Drivers Average $60K Annually Braselton, GA Avg. 2-3 Layovers per Week *EXCELLENT Medical Plans & 401K Available CDL-A w/1 yr. T/T exp.

800-879-7826 www.ruan.com/jobs Dedicated to Diversity.

EOE

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HVACR COMM. TECH ASAP! 5/10 Yrs. Exp. Normal Co. Perks, 401K, Ins., Uniforms, Co. Vehicle, Clean Drv. Resumes: mpotter@ cajunairinc.com or Fax: 706-367-2465 Machine Shop

GENERAL MACHINE SHOP HELP, F/T No experience required.

M-F 6:30AM-3PM. Benefits Available.

Drug Test Required.

Call 770-267-9254 MAINTENANCE Villa Lodge & Suites Now hiring for a Maintenance Person.

Apply in person at 512 West Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, Ga 30046

Production, Drivers, Shipping, Receiving Tucker Door & Trim LLC is adding to our growing team! We are a family oriented door manufacturer that has been in business since the 1960’s. We have positions available in: Production, Drivers - Box & Tractor, Loaders, Forklift Operators, Machine Operators.

FULL TIME

We offer competitive pay and a very comprehensive benefit package that includes Group Health, Vision, Dental, Prescription, Disability Plans, 401(k) as well as Flexible Spending.

BAR & GRILL HELP Chips Bar & Grill Looking for Exp’d SHORT ORDER COOK/BARTENDER Full Time or Part Time Must be 21 yrs. of age.

Apply at: 655 Patrick Mill Rd. S.W., Winder.

770-307-2840

Applications are accepted Monday - Friday from 8 am until 4:30 pm at our Monroe location at 650 Highway 83, Monroe, GA. With regret, phone calls are not accepted.

CARPENTRY NOW HIRING TRIM CARPENTERS For High End Residential Trim Work In Metro Atlanta Area.

Call Greg at 770-712-0793

REGLAZING Unique Refinishers, Inc. is hiring apprentice/ helpers to learn the trade of reglazing!

Great Opportunity to learn a skilled trade!

50 year old company!

Apply in person at 5171 Nelson Brogdon Blvd (Ga Hwy 20), Sugar Hill, GA 30518. No experience necessary, must be over 18 with a good driving record!

CONSTRUCTION Full Time position available in Buford for experienced pavement marking stripers. English or Spanish speaking accepted. Valid GA drives license required.Weekend work, opportunity for overtime.

Call 770-271-1000

Major Ma ajo or Ac Accounts co ount nts ts C Coordinator oo o ordinator o dinator d ator to or ƵƟĞƐ

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džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ Θ ĚƵĐĂƟŽŶ

Pleasantdale Storage of Doraville shall conduct an online auction at www.storagetreasures.com to conclude on Monday, May 29th, 2017 at 12:00pm Unit #208 – Sarah Slaton– Unit said to contain: Speaker Box (auto). Child’s Bike. Motorized Scooter. Kids Toys. 10 Bags/Boxes. Foot Spa. 929-487229, 5/12,19

FULL TIME

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WůĞĂƐĞ ƐĞŶĚ ƌĞƐƵŵĞƐ ƚŽ :ŽƐĂůLJŶ͘ŐŝďƐŽŶΛƐĐŽŵƉĂƉĞƌƐ͘ĐŽŵ

0512_GDP_FRI_CLASS_Classifieds 5/11/2017 4:07 PM Page B8

B8 • FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

HOUSES FOR SALE

LAKE/RIVER/COASTAL PROPERTY FOR SALE

APPLIANCES

EATONTON, GA 31024 210 RIVER LAKE DR.

APPLIANCES

EATONTON, GA 31024 176 Twisting Hill Rd.

MOTIVATED SELLER Beautiful Lake Front Property On Deeded Lot! In-ground Salt Water Pool, Detached 2 Car Carport, Front/ Back & Side Porches!

FULL UNFINISHED BASEMENT 4BR/4BA $550,000 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com

gwinnettdailypost.com

REDUCED LAKE LOT! Beautiful Shaded Lake Lot With Hardwoods With Great Views of Lake Oconee.

EHO • $240,000 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com CEMETERY LOTS FOR SALE

CEMETERY LOTS (TWO) Peachtree Memorial Park, Norcross. Total value $4000, sacrifice $2350 for both. OBO. Serious inquiries only please. 770-345-7466.

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT APTS/DUP/CONDOS/ T’HOMES FOR RENT

DRYER/WASHER $125 ea.; Super Capacity $175 ea.

Front Loader Set $450 & up; Regular Refrig. & Ranges $175 & up; SXS Refrig. $300 & up.

Dishwasher $100 & up. Different colors.

Del/1 yr warr.

Tim 404-205-2222

SERVICES

HOME REPAIR/ REMODELING

HOME REPAIR/ REMODELING

GTS

FOUND FEMALE DILUTE CALICO TABBY: 5/08/17 Sims Rd, Snellville, Ga. Injured, recovering at vet. djtrucks2004@ aol.com

Find Over

8,000

FOREST REMODELING, INC. •Finished Basements •Bathroom Remodeling •Kitchen Remodeling •Custom Cabinets •Room Additions •Garages/Carports •Screened Porches •Custom Decks •Siding All Types Call John

770-962-2071 Credit Cards Accepted

Column Inches of Great Buys Each Week In THE CLASSIFIEDS!

• Roofing • Basement Finishing • Kitchen Remodeling • Bath Remodeling • Additions • Decks • Fencing • Painting

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

MIKE’S TREE SERVICE

ROOFING & REMODELING

PETS/LIVESTOCK LOST & FOUND PETS

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

Experienced Tree Work 20+ Years

M&M Lawn Maintenance All Types of Yard Work

All Phases of Tree Work

-

Tree Removal Prunning Stump Grinding Wood Chipper

References Available

* Lawns starting at $30

Free Estimate!

CALL

770-714-8250 770-271-7127

770-780-9786

Made in USA

GWINNETT DUPLEXES

2 Communities!

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA 30043 1169 MAUDE WAY

MOBILE HOMES & LOTS FOR RENT BARROW-AUBURN 1-2-3 BEDROOMS IN MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY. Rent Starting at $100/ week. Large Lots.

770-513-3151 COMMERCIAL RENTALS LOGANVILLE, GA 30052 4665 Atlanta Highway

Oak 1/2 Cord - $100 1 Cord - $190

Delivered & Dumped

CALL: 770-771-2810

LICENSED

SNELLVILLE, GA 30039 4248 Medlock Woods Dr.

NEW LISTING Hud Case # 105-208917 Brick Front 2-Story With Lots Of Class!

4BR/2.5BA Formal Living/Dining Rooms, Spacious Kitchen, Breakfast Area. Main Level Master. Ample Size Secondary Bedrooms.

FHA Insured. EHO. $175,000 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com APTS/DUP/CONDOS/ T’HOMES FOR SALE LAWRENCEVILLE, GA 30046 902 Parc River Blvd

3BR/2.5BA TOWNHOME Off Sugarloaf Parkway.

Open Family/Dining Room. Galley Kitchen.

All Bedrooms Up With Beautiful Master Suite & Loft.

Insured W/Escrow $123,000 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com FARMS, LOTS & ACREAGE FOR SALE GREENE/GREENSBORO LAKE OCONEE HARBOR CLUB ESTATE SALE INTERIOR BUILDING LOT .7 ACRES • $49,900 770-354-9514 MONROE, GA 30656 1155 Jim Daws Rd

37.132 ACRE LOT! Great 37.132 Acre Tract Zoned A-2, With Nice Hardwoods & Pines. Perfect For Livestock, Farming, Hunting, Or Build Your Dream Home!! $242,000 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com

Good n’ Handy Residential & Commercial t :FBST &YQFSJFODF t 4LJMMFE JO BMM USBEFT t 2VBMJUZ 8PSL t 'VMMZ *OTVSFE

• Computers • Office Furniture

RENOVATIONS/REMODELING/REPAIRS

FREE ESTIMATES

• Home Furnishings

bnzalltrades@aol.com #FO &EXBSET

POWER WASHING

770-932-1751 Cell 770-313-5751

HANDYMAN SERVICE

• Bicycles

PRESSURE WASHING HOUSES STARTING AT $89 • Roof Cleaning • Black streaks removed from roof • Mold & Mildew removed from homes • Drives-WalkwaysPatios-Decks cleaned/sealed • Gutters cleaned For a FREE Estimate

CALL OR TEXT

404-670-3087

404.886.3587 Established 1989

• Appliances • Stereo Systems • Baby Furniture • Yard Sets

• Memorabilia

GWINNETT CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING DEADLINES

• Pets COMMERCIAL SPACES FOR LEASE Suite 100 & 200 Suite 100 End Unit Available for Immediate Occupancy

• Travel Bargains

LINERS

• Real Estate

DO NOT DISTURB TENANTS, Call Agent Only!

Suite 200 Available October 1st Suite 100 Is 1319 Sq Ft $1485 per mo Suite 200 Is 1261 Sq Ft Combined Spaces Are 2580 Sq Ft $3225 Per Month Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

ROCKDALE, CONYERS OFFICE SPACE Attractive all brick building close to I-20.

5 offices plus nice reception area, kitchen, 2 baths. Approximately 1400 square ft. Plenty of parking & sign space. $1,100 per month, no CAM charges. Close to I-20.

Call Jim 770-527-3689

GARAGE SALES UNDER CONTRACT! HUD CASE # 105-391516

Brian Br B riia an's Tree T Tre re ree ee & Hand Ha Handyman ndy dym dy man Ser S Se errv vic ices ic ces

• Motorcycles

• Antiques & Collectibles

PENDING OFFER APPROVAL! HUD CASE #105-296897 LOVELY 3BR & 2.5BA CAPE COD With Master On Main.

Secondary Bedrooms Upstairs, Full Basement. Uninsured. $116,500 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

• Boats

Expert Take Downs √ 20Years Experience √ Insured √ Free Estimates √ Stump Grinding

RITE WAY/ LANDSCAPING • Retaining Walls All Types • Drainage Control • Waterproofing Basements • Landscaping: Sod, Seeds, Plants, etc.

• Concrete, Flagstone & Pavers for Patios, Walkways & etc.

• New & Repair Wood Fences • Yard cleanup & clearing FREE ESTIMATES! CALL 678-227-0400

Summer Seasoned

Licensed & Insured

BUFORD Huge multifamily garage sale! Fri. 5/12 & Sat. 5/13, 7-12.

2030 Wynfield Point Dr. Baby & kids clothes/acces, home goods, furn.

DACULA, 30019 ESTATE SALE Interior Designer Final Clearance!

New & Pre-Owned Rugs, Accessories, Lamps, Art, Tables, Chairs, Sofa, and Other Items For The Home!

SAT., 5/13, 8-2 1921 Hurricane Shoals Road Lawrenceville 30043 Treasure Chest Estate Sale Specialist has another great sale!

The Estate of Jon Richard located at 614 Continental Drive, begins Thursday, Friday, Saturday, May 11, 12, 13, time starts 9:30am until 6:30pm.

See all the pictures on estatesales.net.

Contact William 770-846-8173.

SUWANEE Downsizing Moving Sale! Everything Must Go! Sat., 8am until?

4870 Gladstone Pkwy.

Furn., hshld. & more!

SUWANEE 30024 MOVING GARAGE SALE/FUNDRAISER 2940 Ridge Oak Dr. SAT. 7AM-1PM. Some proceeds will benefit youth Basketball Team. Furn., clothing, electronics, artwork, Much More!

For results you can measure, place an ad of your own by calling

PUBLICATION DAY

DEADLINE

Wednesday Friday Sunday

Monday 3 pm Thursday 3 pm Friday 11:30 am

Gwinnett Daily Post

DISPLAY ADS

770-962-7355

LOST CAT Near Old Peachtree and Hwy 20. Solid gray short hair cat with blue collar. If you may have seen her please call 404-710-6079

VEHICLES

Dodge Ram, 1999.

2500 diesel long bed P.U. truck with 5th wheel hitch, new Michelin tires + 2004 Keystone Laredo 5th wheel 29.5 ft. camper with 2 slides, new tires/new skylight on roof. All for $18,500.

770-787-3005

PUBLICATION DAY

DEADLINE

Wednesday Friday Sunday

Friday 3 pm Tuesday 3 pm Wednesday 3 pm

HONDA CIVIC, 1997 LX 4 Door, Red, 4 Cyl., auto, 114K. Runs & looks good. $2000 OBO. 770-708-7319 NISSAN MURANO SUV, 2005: Elderly owner, only driven 8,000 mi. per year, garage kept, loaded! $5995. 770-616-7399

To place a Classified ad please call

BUSES/HEAVY TRUCKS

481108-1

LEASE/PURCHASE AVAILABLE! Beautiful 2 Story with Massive Space and Extensive Moldings and Trim.

Sits On Full Unfinished Basement. 5BR/4.5BA. A Must See! $415,900 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

One on Singleton Road & One on Law’ville-Suwanee Road! 2BR & 3BR, 2BA, Fireplace, Vaulted Ceilings, Off Street Parking.

Starting @ $925/mo.

B.C. PROPERTIES 770-446-1550 770-995-8828

COUNTRY BOY TREE REMOVAL

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

Bucket Truck

• General Repairs

GRAYSON, GA 30017 1688 SILVERGRASS LANE

• Cars

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER FJ62, 1990 4WD, Automatic, 90,371 original miles, LIKE NEW! $2,600 Call: 678-506-0754

770-236-9988

to speak with a Sales Rep. or you can place an ad online at www.gwinnettdailypost.com

e we w Gwinnett Daily Post

weekend entertainment FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

BAREFOOT WEEKEND Annual arts festival returns to Buford Town Park, Page 4C

10 spot the

What’s your go-to healthy snack? Here are the top 10 best-selling super foods, according to online health food retailer Healthy Supplies:

1. Almonds: Great source of protein, vitamin E, omega-6, calcium, magnesium and fiber.

2. Cashews: Full of vitamin B, magnesium, copper and protien.

3. Pumpkin seeds: Packed with iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorous and copper.

4. Chia seeds: High in fiber, good source of key omega fatty acids.

5. Cacao powder: Includes antioxidants and natural fatty acids.

6. Quinoa: Contains all the essential amino acids, high mineral content.

7. Golden flaxseed: Great source of fiber, omega-3 and protein.

8. Ceylon cinnamon: Full of antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties.

9. Goji berries: Packed with vitamins A and C, minerals, iron and calcium.

10. Coconut oil: Retains all the natural minerals and vitamins found in a coconut.

Richard Gere delivers arguably best performance to date in ‘Norman’

Page 8C

the dish

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482924-2

THIS IS SUWANEE

a look ahead May 19 Lawrenceville Summer Concert Series — The series kicks off with a concert

by Natural Wonder: A Stevie Wonder Tribute Band. The concert starts at 8 p.m. and is free to the public.

May 20 Great Strides Atlanta — The largest cystic fibrosis walk in the country comes to Suwanee Town Park. The event starts at 9 a.m. and includes a 5K walk, children’s activities and food. For more information, call 404-3256973 or visit fightcf.cff.org/ greatstrides.

Classic Cars in the Park — Lilburn City Park hosts the event which features cars, trucks and motorcycles. The event is free for spectators and $15 for vehicle registration. For additional information, email mike@southeastwheelsevents.com or call 770-883-0160.

UPCOMING FUN!

May 13 • Arts in the Park May 20 • Great Strides Atlanta SculpTour Sip & See May 26 • Red, White, Bluegrass & Bach June 2 • Food Truck Friday

SUWANEE.COM

2C • FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

dish

gwinnettdailypost.com

dining

the

Mr. Gyro

2226 Bethany Church Road Snellville 770-559-5556

A Greek salad is just one of many menu items that gives Mr. Gyro in Snellville an authentic Greek feel. (Staff Photos: Cailin O’Brien)

BY CAILIN O’BRIEN

written in blue and white chalk on blackboards hanging on the wall above the counter.

Open since: March It’s a simple vibe.

Owner: Harry KaratKaratzas said he’d dezas scribe it as “pleasant.”

Location: Mr. Gyro “It’s a family busiis located in a shopping ness,” Karatzas said. “My center at the corner of wife helps me and my Killian Hill Road S.W. daughters. It’s fun.” and Stone Mountain In the dining area, the Highway. Harry Karatzas family painted chairs said he owns the buildblue and set them around ing, which used to house rich brown tables. Pica Jamaican restaurant. tures of Greece dot the The electrical engineer walls and a small Greek from Greece had already statue stands near the opened a few businesses bar area, which is decoin America, including rated with fake vines and five salons and an apgrapes. pliance store. So, when Karatzas said the the Jamaican restaurant restaurant’s decor isn’t failed, Karatzas knew he complete quite yet. could make use of the “I have a few (pictures empty space. of Greece), but I need “I always dreamed of some more,” he said. opening a Greek res“We’re going to add some taurant,” he said. “So more pictures and statues I decided to rent (the — Leonidas and Athena building) to myself.” and other statues — just Hours: Monday like in a Greek place.” through Saturday from 11 Menu: Mr. Gyro serves a.m. to 9 p.m. real Greek food, Karatzas Atmosphere: Karatzas said. Period. said he wants Mr. Gyro “Everywhere I ate to feel like an authentic around Atlanta is not Greek restaurant, like authentic,” he said. “I’m the ones he ate at before authentic. Come on.” he moved to the United Karatzas cooks all the States at the age of 27. food himself, with occa“It’s almost there,” sional help from his wife Karatzas said. “I like this or daughters. He’s looksetup.” ing to hire more help, The small space with but for now, it’s all in big windows is painted the family. Karatzas said in Greek colors — blue that means the food is not and white. When custom- only authentic, it’s also ers first walk in, they’re fresh. There aren’t any greeted by a display preservatives and mostly case filled with homeeverything is cooked on made goodies, including a grill. special Greek cookies “There is nothing fried and cakes. The menu is or whatever,” Karatzas cailin.obrien @gwinnettdailypost.com

ON THE MENU • Spanakopila: Flaky patries filled with spinach and feta that customers often order as a snack, an appetizer or even a dessert. $1.25 each • Gyro platter: Gyro meat covered in tzatziki sauce served with fried potatoes and Greek salad. $11 • Chicken platter: Grilled chicken covered in tzatziki sauce served with fried potatoes and Greek salad. $11 • Falafel wrap: Falafel wrapped up with lettuce, tomato, onions, hummus and tzatziki sauce. $6 • Greek salad: Lettuce, tomato, olives, feta and peppercinis topped with tzatziki sauce. $8

said. “Everything is in the grill. Except the potatoes, of course. Those are fried.”

But the potatoes aren’t greasy and Karatzas said they re-heat as leftovers much better than would french fries from most restaurants.

Since Karatzas does the majority of the cooking for Mr. Gyro himself, the menu isn’t huge.

“The menu is not the big, vast menu of other restaurants,” he said. “We have specific items. I like to have the food that is pleasant to eat and consistent all the time.”

He said most customers opt for either gyro wraps or platters. His chicken and Souvlaki (pork) are also popular dishes.

“We also have the

Mr. Gyro offers authentic Greek food in Snellville.

Mr. Gyro is decorated with pictures of Greece.

falafel, which is vegetarian,” he said. “It is very good with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and hummus on top with a tzatziki sauce that we make here. Everything is

GWINNETT TASTES A selection of local eateries recently featured in the Gwinnett Daily Post: Edee’s Place Bar-B-Que The look of Edee’s Place comes from a more personal place than some old barbecue joint. Owner Edmund Nelson said he designed the atmosphere of the dining area to evoke the same atmosphere that exists in his mother’s house.

Edee’s Place is a traditional barbecue restaurant, offering plates of meat, barbecue sandwiches, Brunswick stew, Southern-style sides, desserts and drinks. The trick, however, is that the cooking is a family affair.

Nelson’s brother and cousin, who worked with him when Edee’s Place was just a food truck, cook the meats on the barbecue pit. His mother — who already inspires the feel of the restaurant — oversees the cooking of the side dishes as well, and the sides are made using her personal recipes.

And if the family kitchen look wasn’t enough, Nelson is also likely to pull up a chair at a customer’s table and strike up a conversation with them, asking them how their day is going or what they think of the food.

“I ask them if I can pull up a chair, and I always tell them the reason why I feel comfortable pulling up a chair is because I feel like I’m at home, and they should, too,” Nelson

said. “When they come in here, they should have a great experience, they should have fun and just enjoy themselves.”

2300 Liam Ave., Suite 105, Dacula, 770-822-9999 Reveille Cafe This rustic cafe is more upscale than the generic weekend brunch destination, but it’s affordable enough for the weekday worker to grab breakfast and a freshly ground cup of coffee before beginning the daily commute.

On weekends, visitors might see families sitting in the booths as they chat and munch on bacon at leisure.

The staff knows many of the customers by name, although the Sugar Hill location just opened in late March. There are three other Revielle locations owned by the McCanns — located in Acworth, Marietta and on Haynes Bridge Road in Johns Creek.

The Mystic Stuffed French Toast is the cafe’s signature item, Nicole said. It is one of several house specials that were inspired by the McCanns’ travels and experiences.

“The Mystic French Toast, we came up with that idea when we were eating in Mystic, Conn., and we just decided to call it Mystic,” Nicole said.

It is made with two pieces of bread filled with cream cheese frosting; then it is dipped into egg batter and rolled in corn flakes before it is grilled. It’s

Reveille Coffeehouse Cafe’s signature dish is the Mystic Stuffed French Toast: sliced Hawaiian bread stuffed with cream cheese filling, coated with Kellogg’s corn flakes, grilled, then topped with strawberries and bananas and drizzled with vanilla rum sauce. (Special Photo) topped with fresh strawberries and bananas and rum sauce.

5885 Cumming Highway, Sugar Hill, 470-589-1512 9292 Korean BBQ The inside of 9292 Korean BBQ has a very futuristic feel to it. The middle of the restaurant is made up of individual booths, with private rooms for large groups on either side.

During lunch, food is made to order in the kitchen, but at dinner it’s cooked at the table

by a member of the 9292 staff on a charcoal grill.

“We use charcoal,” Lee said of what makes 9292 unique in an area full of Korean barbecue restaurants. “All the meat, we have a special sauce for marinating, and we also buy prime meat.”

They have a variety of beef, pork and seafood options that can be purchased individually and range from $14.99 to $29.99.

The best value is the com-

homemade.”

A month and a half into running his restaurant, Karatzas said he feels his homemade menu will keep his restaurant on the map.

“(We have) good food, enough food, fair food and at a good price,” he said. “So if you’ve got all these variables at the same level, you should succeed 100 percent.”

bination platters, which serve three to four people but easily have enough food for six on the larger options.

There is even an unlimited option that is either $29.99 or $34.99 per person depending on which meat option you choose. The meat arrives with banchan (small dishes) that include macaroni salad, kimchi cabbage and sweet and soyglazed peanuts, among other options. The rim of the grill also features corn with mozzarella, eggs and kimchi cabbage.

3360 Satellite Blvd., Suite 8, Duluth, www.facebook. com/9292KBBQ, 470-2271431

can flavors mixed in. Coffee drinks cost from $2.50 to $5.95. They have espressos, cappuccinos, Café Lattes and several other coffee drinks.

They also serve smoothies ($5.95), frappes ($4.45-5.45) and an assortment of tea drinks, including bubble tea ($2.45-$5.25). You can get a waffle topped with fruit and whipped cream starting at $3.95 throughout the day to go with your coffee.

During lunch they serve four different types of hot sandwiches — ham and cheese, teriyaki chicken, portabella and spicy chicken — for $7.95 with a coffee.

For those with a sweet tooth, there are two popular choices at Caffé Bene: honey bread and snowflake parfaits.

Honey bread is a French toastlike treat that comes in five flavors — caramel cinnamon, garlic and cheese, strawberry and cream cheese, banana and walnut, and triple choco — for $7.95.

The snowflake parfait is shaved ice made from milk and condensed milk, topped with gelato, whipped cream and fresh fruit or other flavors.

The parfait comes in coffee (topped with an espresso shot), red bean, mango, strawberry and Oreo mocha, all for $10.95.

3131 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suwanee, www. facebook.com/CaffeSuwanee, 678-541-5201

Caffé Bene A Korean coffee shop in Suwanee. The Caffé Bene brand is known worldwide and especially popular in South Korea, where it was founded.

There are 1,600 stores worldwide, but the Suwanee location is the only one in Georgia.

“We want to spread our Korean culture,” owner Miri Kim said with head barista Changu Kang translating. “Regarding the coffee, and actually, Caffé Bene is pretty famous in Korea.”

The menu, of course, features coffee, but a wide range of breakfast and lunch options are offered as well.

It’s a mix of popular menu items found at Caffé Benes worldwide, with some Ameri-

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017 • 3C

gwinnettdailypost.com

music

Gwinnett Symphony season finale set for Monday

BY KEITH FARNER

keith.farner @gwinnettdailypost.com

The Gwinnett Symphony on Monday will close its 20th anniversary season with a performance that showcases some of the best composers of the last 400 years.

The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Monday at

the Infinite Energy Center Theater. In the first half of the concert, there will be “A MASSive Performance” symphony chorus and orchestra under the direction of Rick Smith.

“The audience will not only hear very familiar works from the likes of Fauré, Verdi, and Mozart, but also contemporary pieces from modern com-

posers whose compositions are in keeping with the beauty and wonder of sacred classical music down through the years,” he said in a press release. “Think of it as a ‘Greatest Hits’ album of Christian Masses.”

The second half of the event will include Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, “Titan,” led by Robert Trocina.

A separate concert per-

formance starting at 6:30 p.m. will feature Russian composers Ippolitov-Ivanov, Borodin, and Stravinsky as the Gwinnett Symphony Youth Orchestra presents “All Russian” under the direction of Gregory Pritchard.

“All Russian” and “A MASSive Performance” are separate concerts requiring two separate tickets. At

the conclusion of the Youth Orchestra concert, attendees with tickets to the GSOC concert that follows will be asked to exit the hall and re-enter with their second ticket.

All tickets are for reserved seats, and the doors open about 45 minutes before the first concert.

Tickets for the GSOC concert are $10 to $20 each,

and groups of 10 or more can use a large-group discount of $10 per ticket based on availability in the orchestra level or the balcony front section. Music students with a student ID may get in free for the GSOC performance.

All tickets for the YO concert are $5 each, except for students, who get in free.

Tickets can purchased directly at http://bit.ly/2q0KaJD.

• May 17: Peter Ciluzzi • May 18: Foxtrax • May 18: The David Mayfield Parade and the Railsplitters • May 19: Vices of Vanity, Slumberjack, LJ13 • May 19: Avenue of the Giants, A Slow Boat to China • May 20: Michael C. Smith • May 20: Rataid 2017 • May 20: Live By Satellite, RED LIGHT CAFE Cody Marlowe, Ricky Thade 553 Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta Cole 404-874-7828 • May 21: Keller Williams redlightcafe.com Battle of the Bands • Ongoing: Jazz Jam with the • May 22: Luke Wade Gordon Vernick Quartet • May 23: Royalty Tour with J • Ongoing: Atlanta Songwrit- Tubbs ers Club Meet Up • May 24: Aidan Connell, The • May 18: Donna Hopkins Love Agenda, The Wild Now Band, Robert Bidney and • May 25: Rude!, The Brian Heidi Pollyea Rigby Band, Sempre Soul • May 23: Juliana Finch and • May 25: Lanco Kittens Slay Dragons • May 26: Sojourn, The • May 25: Beau, Luci and Warsaw Clinic, Harvey FunkRobot Jurassic with Horrible walker Idea and The Ain’t Sisters • May 27: Austin Coleman, Wyatt Espalin SMITH’S OLDE BAR • May 27: Cosplayground 1578 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta Con-A-Thon Nerdlesque Ex404-875-1522 travaganza and Dance Party www.smithsoldebar.com with DJ Robby Rob • May 27: Control This!

• Ongoing: DJ Sky • May 28: Band Together for • May 12: Casual Cadenza, Barbara My ninja, The Paper Arcadia • May 30: Dee Villain, Rod • May 12: Chase Mitchell McCoy, J-Coop, Lingua • May 13: 3 People, Farm Franca Dog • May 31: Hurr and Madd • May 13: Kween and Nu Cosplay Extravaganza Experiance • June 1: The Dround • May 14: Heathen Sons, Hounds, HDPSC, Whiskey The Dirty Soul Revival, The Tango Ides of June, The Buzzards • June 1: Nick Moss Band of Fuzz • June 2: Cloudland, Taste• May 14: Wolves Among Ravens, Radiator King, Jesse bud, Ben Grant, The Todd Prusin Experience Mariah • June 2: El Ecorcho and • May 16: The Antarcticats, Those Manic Seas, The Texas Stone Tribute Pilots • June 3: Automatic Slim KGB, The Pussy Willows

Blues Band, Lahar • June 3: Recycled Shotguns, The Heatbunnies, Bottle Kids • June 3: Bird Dog Jubilee • June 4: Burning Altar, Goodfires, Silver Tongued Devils, Soultrap • June 5: Katie Martin, Brown Kid, Joe Garner • June 6: Eryn Woods, Catrell, The Sagas • June 8: Foxtrot and The Getdown, The Ghost Wolves • June 9: Breakthrough Even, 4 Daze Dead, Days to Come • June 9: Deadphish Orchestra • June 10: Nameless Nameless (Nirvana Reincarnated) • June 10: Kevin Dunbar, Woody Earwood, Daniel Lieving

BY VENUE — MUSIC 37 MAIN 37 E. Main St., Buford 678-288-2030 www.buford.37main.com • May 12: Electric Avenue (’80s MTV Experience) • May 13: Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi Tribute) • May 19: UZOO (A Tribute to U2) • May 20: Generation Idol (Billy Idol Tribute) • May 26: Klaus Band Kamp (A Spoonful of the ’80s) • May 27: Wrocksnake (A Tribute to Whitesnake) 40 WATT CLUB 285 W. Washington St., Athens 706-549-7871 www.40watt.com • Ongoing: DJ Immuzikation, Twin Powers • May 12: Oak House and Five-Eight • May 20: Is/Ought Gap Flash to Bang Time • May 27: The Music Tapes • June 3: Athens Face/Off • June 9: Dressy Bessy, The Split Squad ATLANTA SYMPHONY HALL 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-733-4900 www.atlantasymphony.org • Ongoing: Casual Fridays • Ongoing: Music for the Very Young • May 13: Robert Spano leads the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Debut of Gluck’s Orfeo • May 19-20: An Orchestral Tribute to Music of the King, Elvis Presley • May 25, 27: Donald Runnicles leads an All-French Program • June 1, 3: Robert Spano closes the season with Britten, Wagner and World Premiere • June 9-10: Singin’ in the Rain Movie with the Orchestra performing the Live Score THE BOWL @ SUGAR HILL 5039 W. Broad St., Sugar Hill 770-945-6716 www.thebowlatsugarhill.com • May 26: Collective Soul • June 10: Boz Scaggs BUCKHEAD THEATRE 3110 Roswell Road, Atlanta 404-843-2825 www.thebuckheadtheatre.com • June 6: Ann Wilson of Heart CENTER STAGE THEATER 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta 404-885-1365 www.centerstage-atlanta.com • Ongoing: Afton Showcase • May 12: X Ambassadors • May 13: Benyamin Bahadori • May 19: Damien Escobar • May 20: NF • May 30: Todd Rundgren • June 2: Kindred the Family Soul • June 3: Mon Laferte

COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta 770-916-2800 www.cobbenergycentre.com • June 11: Paul Shaffer and the World’s Most Dangerous Band

LAKEWOOD AMPHITHEATRE 2002 Lakewood Way, Atlanta 404-443-5000 www.thelakewood amphitheater.com • June 2: Train: Play That Song Tour • June 6: MUSE with Thirty Seconds to Mars

EDDIE’S ATTIC 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur 404-377-4976 www.eddiesattic.com • Ongoing: Eddie’s Attic Songwriter’s Open Mic • May 12: Charlie Mars • May 13: “Mama Jan” Smith with Peter Vogl • May 13: BJ Barham (of American Aquarium) • May 14: Secret Sisters • May 14: Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers • May 15: Ruth B • May 17: Kip Winger • May 18: Kim Richey • May 18: Haas Kowert Tice • May 19: Maggie Rose • May 19: Barry Waldprep and Friends • May 20: The Bitteroots 9th Anniversary Show • May 20: Cereus Bright • May 21: Jenny and Tyler • May 21: The Harmaleighs • May 23-24: Angie Aparo • May 25: David Cone and Alannah McCreedy • May 25: Channing Wilson • May 26: Ryan Horne • May 26: Tyler Lyle • May 27: Anna and Sami + Sean • May 27: Sonia Leigh • May 28: Tristan McIntosh • May 28: Colby Dee • May 30: Michael Magno, Kevin So and Anita Aysola • May 31: Troubadours 2.0 featuring DAYSHAWNx, Chelsea Shag and Kameron Corvet • June 1: Tom Russell • June 2: Joe Grandsen Band • June 3: Michelle Malone • June 3: Delta Moon • June 4: Muscadine Bloodline • June 6: Bobby Whitlock and Coco Carmel • June 6: Reeve Carney • June 7-8: Suzy Bogguss • June 9: Porter Nickerson • June 9: Bruce Robison

THE LOFT 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta 404-885-1365 www.centerstage-atlanta.com/ shows/the-loft • May 12: Matt Schultz • May 13: Sampha • May 15: Kings Kaleidoscope • May 19: Vamps

EVERETT’S MUSIC BARN 4055 Stonecypher Road, Suwanee 678-858-5363 everettsmusicbarn.net • May 13: Frances Mooney and Fontanna Sunset • May 27: Barbwire • June 10: The Bankesters INFINITE ENERGY ARENA 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500 www.infiniteenergycenter.com • June 25: Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull

THE MASQUERADE 695 North Ave. N.E., Atlanta 404-577-8178 www.masqueradeatlanta.com • May 12: Cloud Nothings, Preoccupations, Highly Suspect, The Bronx • May 13: PUP, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Car Seat Headrest • May 14: A Boogie • May 15: New Found Glory • May 15: Art of Dying; Veil of Maya • May 16: PEARS; X • May 17: Atlas Greene, IntelliGENT x Freshmen • May 17: Terror, God’s Hate • May 18: The Sonics • May 19: Teebs; Vallis Alps; Emo Nite Atlanta • May 19: Torch • May 20: Mayday Parade • May 21: In Flames • May 23: Real Friends; Deal Casino, dollys • May 23: Okilly Dokilly • May 24: As It Is; Tigers Jaw • May 25: Morbid Angel; Michael Barr; Kilroy Kobra • May 26: Bayside, Say Anything; Icon for Hire • May 27: Cryptopsy • May 28: Natewantstobattle; Lincoln Durham • May 29: Hot Mulligan, Belmont • May 30: Rian Adkinson • May 31: Zakk Sabbath • June 1: Hail the Sun • June 3: Lost Stars; Doyle • June 4: Destruction • June 5: Animal Flag; Tuxedo • June 6: Freddie Gibbs; (Sandy) Alex G • June 7: Otep • June 8: H09909 • June 9: Torch PHILIPS ARENA 1 Philips Drive N.W., Atlanta 404-878-3000 www.philipsarena.com • May 13: The Weeknd RED CLAY MUSIC FOUNDRY 3116 Main St., Duluth 678-957-7283 www.eddieowenpresents.com • Ongoing: Songwriters Open Mic • May 12: Jacob Harshman with Many Mammals and Ayo River

• May 13: Emmett O’Hanlon • May 17: Reckless Kelly with Blue Water Highway • June 2: Bill Hart Band • June 3: Barry Waldrep and Ffriends featuring Jimmy Hall • June 7: Gaelynn Lea with Heart Hunters • June 9: Winston Slade Single and Video Release

THE TABERNACLE 152 Luckie St., Atlanta 404-659-9022 tabernacleatl.com • May 12: Ali Wong • May 18: Korn • May 19: Rufus Du Sol • May 20: Mac DeMarco • May 21: Trey Songz • May 23: Ninja Sex Party • May 25: David Gray • May 27: Kehlani • May 28: Imparables — Adrian Uribe y Omar Chaparro • June 1: Billy Currington • June 6: Russ • June 10: Ghost

VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE AT ENCORE PARK 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta www.vzwamp.com • May 12-13: Zac Brown Band • May 31: Dave Matthews, Tim Reynolds

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arts&entertainment

Legoland, GDOT pair for bridge project

BY JON GALLO

Staff Correspondent

The Georgia Department of Transportation has teamed with the Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta to turn the collapse of a portion of an Interstate I-85 bridge overpass into teaching opportunity.

Legoland is having children ages 3 and up use more than 20,000 Legos to build a brick-bybrick replica of the bridge that will be at least three feet tall and four feet long. The masterpiece’s unveiling will coincide with the reopening of the I-85 bridge overpass, which is scheduled for later this month.

“This is a once-in-alifetime opportunity for a project of this nature,” said Whitney Kemmerick, marketing manager at Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta, adding the Lego bridge could be bigger depending on how many children want to participate in the project.

“A project like this is a natural fit for what happened because it enables us to teach kids in a fun and innovative way how to build something in a real-life situation.”

The project is being overseen by GDOT Chief Engineer Meg Pirkle and her team, and Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta’s Master Model Builder Rod Farris. He teaches daily educational, building-themed classes at Legoland’s Model Builder Academy for families to

GDOT and Legoland recently teamed up to teach Atlanta kids how to build a bridge in the wake of the Interstate 85 bridge collapse. (Photo: Jon Gallo)

learn more about building techniques and how roads and bridges are critically important pieces of our infrastructure. Visitors are urged to help build the bridge, with children generally putting about 40 of Lego’s standard 2-by-4 blocks into place.

The construction of the Lego bridge is colorcoordinated. While the bridge’s main portion consists of green bricks, the parts of the bridge that are most integral to its structure are lighter colors. The top of the bridge will feature grey and black Legos to resemble the road, with yellow bricks used for lane dividers, just as in real life.

“The entire community is very interested in and focused on the I-85 bridge reconstruction,” said Scott Higley, director of strategic communications for the

Georgia Department of Transportation. “Lego bricks are an interactive resource that captivate the attention of children and adults alike, and our hope is that by partnering with Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta, we’ll be able to teach families about this building process in a way that’s fun and easy to understand.”

The Lego bridge is being constructed as part of the From Bricks to Bridges program, which is free with the price of admission. Children 3 and older will be asked to build mini-bridge models, test their work with weighted Lego cars and rebuild their designs, if needed. Children will also help on the Lego bridge and participate in a discussion led by Farris, who goes by “Professor Rod.” The project will teach kids of the importance of building bridges properly

as GDOT continues to rebuild the portion of the I-85 bridge — located near Piedmont Road, just south of Ga. 400 — that collapsed after being set ablaze in late March, causing it to be closed in both directions.

The GDOT estimates that about 220,000 people use that section of the interstate daily. In April, the U.S. Department of Transportation allocated $10 million in emergency funds to help repair the section that collapsed.

The funding, which is being overseen by the Federal Highway Administration, went toward restoring short-term access to the site and ensured GDOT officials had the money to begin repairing the most pressing needs of the bridge and damaged roadways.

Kemmerick said GDOT and Legoland officials are “working shoulder-toshoulder” and are striving to finish both projects at the same time. She also said if interest in the Lego bridge spikes, which she envisions, the bridge could become much larger than 20,000 bricks.

“It’s an invaluable build in terms of education value,” said Kemmerick, who conservatively estimated between 2,000 and 5,000 kids will participate in building the Lego bridge. “Legos are such a timeless toy. I played with them 30 years ago and a lot of adults want to make sure their kids have the same experiences they did.”

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Your Local Church Welcomes You

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IGNITE YOUR LIFE, YOUR WORSHIP, AND YOUR WORLD!

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SUWANEE WORSHIP CENTER A contemporary Wesleyan Church meeting at Peachtree Ridge High School 1555 Old Peachtree Rd., Suwanee

Two services 9:00 and 11:00 am

Weekly worship Sundays 10:30 AM ignitegwinnett.com

770-614-4009 754 Brogdon Rd • Suwanee www.suwaneeworshipcenter.com

Celebrating 5 years

770-596-3573

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3375 Church Lane, Duluth, GA Church Office: 770-497-8227 • Fax: 770-497-9775 Rev. Ronald L. Bowens, Pastor

Rev. Ronald L. Bowens

Pastor

Sunday Worship Services................7:30 AM, 11:00 AM Children’s Church............................7:30 AM, 11:00 AM Sunday School ................................................. 9:45 AM Bible Study (all ages) ...................Wednesday, 7:30 PM

770.945.6131 234 Shadburn Ave, Buford

Pastor: Rev. Avery Headd B.A., M. Div.

Times of Worship Sunday • 8 am & 11 am Times of Instruction Sunday • 9:45 am Church School Sunday • 10 am Invitational Counseling Wednesday • Youth Bible Studies 7 pm Wednesday • Adult Bible Studies 7 pm

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Poplar Hill Baptist Church

Friendship Baptist Church

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Rev. Ted Rollins

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A United Methodist Congregation

“A Christ Centered Church Where Love is the Greatest”

Barefoot in the Park continues to offer Mother’s Day fun

BY CURT YEOMANS

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett County residents are invited spend Mother’s Day weekend shopping for unique arts and crafts without wearing shoes in Buford Town Park.

The 13th Annual Barefoot in the Park will be held Saturday and Sunday at the park. The annual free-to-attend arts and crafts festival, which is now in its second year in Buford, is a Mother’s Day weekend staple in Gwinnett, offering attendees a chance to buy creative gifts for their moms.

The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Attendees need not worry about being barefoot themselves during the festival, however.

That’s because, despite the name, there is no actual requirement that attendees ditch their footwear.

“We are so excited for this weekend’s festival,” Barefoot in the Park Executive Director Caryn McGarity said. “There is so much going on with over 50 artists from the Midwest down to southeast. Come out with mom and the family and have her pick out her favorite Mother’s Day present.”

Fine arts vendors will have their wares on display in a juried fine arts market, and attendees will be able to get food, craft beer (there will be a beer garden) and wine, as well, at the event. The festival is designed to benefit grants for youth arts scholarships.

Art will be judged by Sal Brownfield, whose work has been shown in galleries around the world. In addition to the market, the festival will include a silent auction, a student art exhibit,

Church of God 1132 Buford Hwy 770-271-5610 Dr. Terry Reece • Senior Pastor

“Come and get Jesus” “A Church forconnected Hurting to People”

Sunday 10:30 AM Worship Sunday 10:30 AM “J” Town Kids Church Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study & Youth regencycog.com

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To advertise you church service or event here, contact

Mary London

770.963.9205 x1211

IF YOU GO • What: 13th annual Barefoot in the Park fine arts festival • Where: Buford Town Park, corner of Buford Highway, Hamilton Mill Road and South Hill Street • When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday • Cost: Free to attend • More Info: Visit www. barefootinthepark.org

live entertainment and a Binders Learning Village.

The live entertainment will include a Taiwanese drum group, a Scottish folk music group, a bluegrass band, traditional show tunes, a female a cappella group, pop and soft rock groups, a pianist, an rhythm and blues band, an Americana group, a 1930s to 1960s jazz band, and a Celtic band.

An exact schedule of when each group is performing is available at www.barefootinthepark. org.

A performing arts competition for teens is a new addition for this year’s festival. Kids between 13 and 18 will have a chance to show off their dance, drama, instrumental music or vocal talents during the contest, which is sponsored by Eurotard Dancewear. The competition will be held in the Sylvia Beard Theatre, 2200 Buford Highway.

The contest winner will receive a grant to help them pay for their education in their chosen artistic discipline.

“Winners from the competition will receive $500 grant money,” McGarity said. “Some slots (are) still available if interested.”

Buford Town Park is located at the corner of Buford Highway, South Hill Street and Hamilton Mill Road.

Art events planned for Duluth this weekend FROM STAFF REPORTS

Regency

473080-1 473217-1

Malia Billman, right, helps customers at her father’s jewelry booth during last year’s Barefoot at the Park at the Buford Community Center and Buford Town Park. This year’s festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday. (File Photo)

racks were purchased by the Duluth Fall Festival.

The Duluth Fine Arts The bike racks were League will present its made by a local artist, as Spring Art Walk tonight well. during the city’s Food Also on Saturday, more than 70 artists have Truck Friday event. signed up to participate There will be live muin a Plein Air event sic and entertainment throughout the downtown called Paint Duluth.

The event is sponsored area for the events, according to a press release by 2 Smith Gallery on Main Street. Larry and from the city.

Pam Smith have worked On Saturday, six closely with the City of new bike racks will be unveiled, with each bike Duluth to bring this event back to historic downrack being painted by local artists — including town Duluth.

The artist reception students from the Duluth High School art program. and sale will be at 6 p.m.

Sunday at Adrian CollabAccording to the city, Howard Brothers’ Hard- orative on Main Street.

This is an opportunity to ware provided all of the purchase original paintpaint and paint supplies ings of Duluth. for the artists. The bike

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017 • 5C

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arts&entertainment

Spring Into Summer Festival coming to Rhodes Jordan Park

BY ZACH MILES Staff Intern

It’s time to show off your best neon glow as Gwinnett County Parks presents the Spring Into Summer Festival featuring the fourth annual 1, 2, 3K Glow and Show on May 20 at Rhodes Jordan Park.

Gwinnett County Parks is holding the festival as part

of its Live Healthy Gwinnett initiative, which is a proactive approach to address the preventable chronic illnesses that impact Gwinnettians.

The free health and wellness festival will kick off at 5 p.m. and will feature fun for the whole family including health and wellness exhibitors, inflatables, fitness demos, entertainment, food vendors and more all

to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.

At 8 p.m., the 1, 2, 3K Glow and Show walk and run will begin, and all participants will receive a glow-in-the-dark shirt with two glow bands. Registration for the walk is $10 and is available through May 19.

All proceeds will benefit the Gwinnett Parks Foundation Health and Wellness Schol-

arship fund.

Following the 3K walk and run, there will be a free Movie Under the Stars event featuring the movie, “Sing.”

Rhodes Jordan Park is located at 100 E. Crogan St. in Lawrenceville. For more information, visit livehealthygwinnett.com. To register for the event, visit runsignup.com.

Last year’s Spring Into Summer event featured a life-sized chess activity for kids of all ages. This year’s event will begin at 5 p.m. May 20. (Special Photo)

BY VENUE — ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT AURORA THEATRE 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville 678-226-6222 www.auroratheatre.com • Ongoing: Ghost Tours • Ongoing: Aurora Comedy Nights • Ongoing: Morning Care • Ongoing: After Care • Through May 13: Dan Mengini featuring Jenny Jennings • Through May 28: Split in Three • May 13: Cinderella • May 26-27: Headliner Lawrence Killebrew HUDGENS CENTER FOR THE ARTS Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 300, Duluth 770-623-6002 www.thehudgens.org • Ongoing: Toddler Fridays INFINITE ENERGY ARENA 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500 www.infiniteenergycenter.com • June 16: George Lopez and Cedric The Entertainer

KUDZU ART ZONE 116 Carlyle St., Norcross 770-840-9844 www.kudzuartzone.org • Through May 12: Line, Shape, Collage Workshop with Lynn Weisbach • Through May 29: Explore with Possibilities • Through June 1: Under the Southern Skies

com • May 19: Finding Dory • June 8-25: The Miracle Worker • June 9: The Secret Life of Pets ATLANTA ATLANTA ALLIANCE THEATRE 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-733-4650 www.alliancetheatre.org • May 13: A Tony Evening

ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDENS 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta 404-876-5859 NEW DAWN THEATER www.atlantabg.org Mall Corners, 3650-A Satellite Blvd., Duluth • Through July 15: Ribbit the Exhibit 678-887-5015 • May 13: Mother’s Day www.newdawntheatercomBrunch pany.com • May 13-14: Gardens for • May 27: Mark Pitt’s Tribute ELVIS “Memorial Day Concert” Connoisseurs Tour • June 3: Pickxen, Raven and • May 13-14: Atlanta Rose Show Red and Death Beard • May 25: Explorer’s Plant Auction NEW LONDON THEATRE 2338 Henry Clower Blvd., ATLANTA HISTORY Snellville CENTER 770-559-1484 130 W. Paces Ferry Road www.newlondontheatre.org N.W., Atlanta • Through May 14: Hansel 404-814-4000 and Gretel Hansel and Gretel will be New www.atlantahistorycenter.com • May 13: Nathaniel Philbrick, London Theatre’s last show Valiant Ambition: George as the venue will be closing Washington, Benedict Arnold June 1. and the Fate of the American Revolution SYLVIA BEARD • May 15: GPPA Lecture: THEATRE Barbara Allen Memorial LecBuford Community Center, 2200 Buford Highway, Buford ture: Dan Benarcik, The Art of Gardening 770-945-6762 www.bufordcommunitycenter. • May 22: Nathan Hill, The Nix

• May 23: Richard Russo, Trajectory • June 1: Party with the Past: Georgia Beer Garden COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta 770-916-2800 www.cobbenergycentre.com • Through May 14: Atlanta

Ballet — Camino Real FOX THEATRE 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-881-2100 foxtheatre.org • May 16-21: Finding Neverland • May 23: Sigur Ros • May 25: Brit Floyd • May 26: Chris Rock • June 3: 112 and Jagged

Edge • June 6: Ann Wilson of HeartBuckhead Theatre • June 8: The Avett Brothers FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 767 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta 404-929-6300 www.fernbankmuseum.org • May 13: Fernbank Forest Ecosystem Relationships • May 13: Tadpole Tales

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INFINITE ENERGY THEATER 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500 www.infiniteenergycenter.com • May 13: “Knotted” A Tale of Three • May 14: Geet-Rung School of Dance and Music — Annual Recital

• May 15: All Russian • May 15: Mahler: Symphony No. 1, “Titan”, and a Massive Performance • May 19-21: Aladdin • May 2: Gwinnett Ballet Theatre 2017 Rectial

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GWINNETT GWINNETT

6 C • FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

movies

film fans

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ STANDOUT PERFORMANCE

PASS/FAIL

WHO WILL LIKE THIS...

SEE IT NOW OR WAIT

The entire cast delivered a solid performance. This is a great ensemble of characters who mesh well together each in their own unique way, and I can’t imagine anyone else playing their roles any differently.

Obviously if you enjoy comic book movies, especially the first “Guardians” movie, then “Vol. 2” is a must see.

This is the type of movie meant for the big screen. What are you waiting for?

Go see if now.

“I am Groot.” Translation: “‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ is a great movie.” I was extremely entertained watching this second installment of the “Guardians” franchise. Like many people, I was unexpectedly blown away by how good the first movie was and I was thrilled when I heard there would be more. Right from the start, the movie kicks off with action, humor and wit that sets the pace and tone for the whole experience. Although “GotGV2” didn’t add to the Avengers story line this time, it was nice to have the team continue on their own adventures even if the plot was a little thinner than the first movie. Instead, we got something that was a little edgier, more action-packed, and thoroughly entertaining. I can’t wait to see what is planned next for the team.

Pass: What a fun way to kick off the summer movie season. It is great having so many of the original cast members return to tell this story, and some of the new characters are a hoot as well. As with the first film in the series, the soundtrack features many great songs from the late ’70s and early ’80s including the lesserknown Electric Light Orchestra hit “Mr. Blue Sky,” which features predominantly in the opening credits (along with an adorable dancing Baby Groot).

Fail: The biggest weakness of “Guardians 2” is the final 30 minutes of the film.

It’s a protracted battle sequence that just goes on too long. Other than that, the flow of the movie is just right, especially in the way it seamlessly blends comedy, sci-fi, and a little bit of drama in story lines about lead character Peter Quill/StarLord’s love and family life.

Chris Pratt once again shows he has what it takes to be a leading man in his likable performance as Peter Quill/Star-Lord.

He and co-star Zoe Saldana (Gamora) have good chemistry throughout. Dave Bautista’s Drax has even more one-liners this time around and got lots of laughs from the audience. Voiceover work by Bradley Cooper (Rocket) and Vin Diesel (Baby Groot) was very well done, too. Kurt Russell (Ego) does an outstanding job in his multi-layered role. Some amazing special effects make him look 30 years younger in the opening scene, and one wonders how they do it.

Sci-fi fans are going to love this. The humor is on the geeky side, but it rarely goes into the overly cheesy range. Because of some violence, I wouldn’t recommend it for pre-teens, but older kids and adults alike will enjoy “Guardians 2.”

I forked over the extra bucks to see it in 3-D, and there were plenty of times when I felt that it was worth it, so definitely plan to catch this one on the big screen.

The outer space scenery and special effects are very well done, and will have much more impact on a large screen.

If you are looking for a lightweight summer distraction movie, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is an excellent choice.

It never tries to be preachy or emotionally manipulative; it is simply the story of one man trying to uncover his past, and it colorfully depicts the adventures he has along the way. Music lovers will enjoy hearing hits from Fleetwood Mac, ELO, Parliament, Looking Glass and other tunes used effectively to underscore several scenes. Congrats to Marvel on creating another winner.

Pass: The CGI in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is some of the best I have ever seen. Director James Gunn did a great job creating a sequel that feels familiar to the first film while also adding his own unique flavor to its visuals. It is bright, colorful and psychedelic. The makeup and costume design is also outstanding, bringing many of the galaxy’s strangest characters to life.

Fail: The worst part of this movie, to me, is that it feels like Marvel and Disney are forcing the Guardians “brand” on you throughout the film.

They over-establish that the song “Brandy” by Looking Glass is the best song of all time, according to Ego (Kurt Russell)), and that Baby Groot is inconceivably adorable, which he is.

Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer. The six-time WWE World Champion delivered as this film’s best source of comedic relief. His banter with Mantis (Pom Klementieff) stands out as one of the best ongoing gags in this film.

Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe should enjoy this film, especially those who really enjoyed the first “Guardians of the Galaxy.” The sequel doubles down on all of the zany humor and cosmic action that made the first film so popular. Its biggest stars return for more of the same actionpacked adventures with a similar “awesome” soundtrack.

This is a blockbuster. Go see it in theaters.

This movie is jam-packed with beautiful CGI and action sequences that should be experienced at the highest quality you can find. The best of the best work at Pinewood Studios in Atlanta, and this film proves once again that their digital production abilities are second to none.

James Gunn’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is, in many ways, a rehashing of its predecessor. The humor and pacing both feel very familiar. The “Awesome Mix Vol. 2” soundtrack plays throughout the film, often as a backdrop to the team’s epic space battles. Disney and Marvel always make a concerted effort to brand their films, but this one feels a little more forced than MCU films usually do. That being said, fans of Guardians of the Galaxy should be satisfied with more of the same, especially since this film seems like more of a segue to future “Guardians” films than a standalone film. In that sense, it is more like “Avengers: Age of Ultron” than it is like “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” Overall, James Gunn did a fantastic job bringing a new cinematic flavor to the “Guardians” series while retaining its brand and the same energy that skyrocketed it into popularity in 2014.

★★★★

★★★★

Jake McLaren, Athens

OVERALL IMPRESSION

Pass: One of the best things about this movie is how it doesn’t take itself too seriously. “GotGV2” is probably the funniest of all the Marvel/Avengers movies, with tons of one-liners to quote for years to come.

Fail: It’s hard to say anything negative about this movie. However, I personally would have liked to have seen more of a continuing connection to the Avengers movies, and the story fell just a little short of the original “Guardians” movie.

Kenny Grams, Lawrenceville

Paul Tate, Sugar Hill

EDITOR’S NOTE: Film Fans features local residents reviewing the movie of the week: “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.” To be a film fan, email features@gwinnettdailypost.com.

★★★★ DISC SPOTLIGHT MICHAEL CLARK

The Accidental Tourist Blu-ray (PG-13) Movie: ★★★★ Disc: ★★★★

Mixing trendy travelogue books, mid-level dining and uncomfortable male/female relationships, writer/director Lawrence Kasden’s adaptation of Anne Tyler’s novel “The Accidental Tourist” stars William Hurt and his “Body Heat” co-star Kathleen Turner, along with Oscar-winner Geena Davis as a quirky dog trainer. This is certainly not something designed for general consumption, nor is it angular enough for the art-house crowd, yet it still appeals to both camps. Kasden — who wrote the best ever “Star Wars” installment (“The Empire Strikes Back”) and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” — goes smaller in scale, tosses the special effects to the side and delivers a warm but prickly examination of basic human shortcomings.

Technical specs: aspect ratio: Widescreen (1.85:1/1080p), audio: English (DTS-HD MA 2.0), subtitles: English.

Special features include: • Commentary • Filmmaker introduction • Deleted scenes • Featurette • Trailer (Warner Bros., $21.99)

COMING SOON TO OWN • “A Fantastic Fear of Everything” (May 16): Researching serial killers makes a writer, played by Simon Pegg, confront his own demons. He must overcome them to make it to a meeting abot his screenplay. (R) • “Extortion” (May 16): A family stranded on an island in the Bahamas believes it is being rescued by two fishermen but comes to realize it is being held hostage until it hands over $1 million. (R) • “The Space Between Us” (May 16): Gardner Elliot, the first human born on Mars, begins an online friendship with Tulsa, a teen in Colorado.

On his maiden voyage to Earth, the 16-year-old finally gets to experience all the joys and wonders of a world he could only read about. (PG13) • “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter” (May 16): The T-virus unleashed by the evil Umbrella Corp. has spread to every corner of the globe, infesting the planet with zombies, demons and monsters. Alice (Milla Jovovich), a former Umbrella employee turned rogue warrior, joins her friends on a last-chance mission to storm the company’s headquarters. (R) • “xXx: Return of Xander Cage” (May 16): After coming out of self-imposed exile, daredevil operative Xander Cage (Vin Diesel) must race against time to recover a sinister weapon known as Pandora’s Box, a device that controls every military satellite in the world.

• “The Great Wall” (May 23): When a mercenary warrior (Matt Damon) is imprisoned within the Great Wall, he discovers the mystery behind one of the greatest wonders of the world. (PG-13) • “Get Out” (May 23): After Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) and his girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams), reach the meet-theparents milestone of dating, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he never could have imagined. (R) • “Rock Dog” (May 23): Wanting to be a rock ’n’ roll

star, misfit Tibetan mastiff Bodi heads to the city to locate Angus Scattergood, a legendary

musician who needs to write a new song. (PG) • “Logan” (May 23): In the

near future, a weary Logan (Hugh Jackman) cares for an ailing Professor X (Patrick Stewart) at a remote outpost on the Mexican border when he meets a young mutant (Dafne Keen) who is very much like him. (R) • “Fist Fight” (May 30): On the last day before summer vacation, high school teacher Andy Campbell (Charlie Day) crosses Ron Strickland (Ice Cube), the school’s toughest and most feared teacher. (R) • “Before I Fall” (May 30): Samantha Kingston (Zoey Deutch) seems to have it all.

Everything changes in the blink of an eye when she dies in a car crash but then magically wakes up to find herself reliving the same day over and over again. (PG-13)

Friday, May 12, 2017 • 7C

gwinnettdailypost.com

movies

GRITand GLORY

Pictured above is a scene from “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.” (Photo Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)

‘King Arthur’ not exactly a break in disappointing Camelot films King Arthur: Legend of the Sword “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” (PG-13) (PG-13)HHHH 2 1/2 out of 4 stars

By Khari J. Sampson

khari.sampson@gwinnettdailypost.com

I’ve long had a simmering affection for the myth of King Arthur and Camelot. But I’ve been consistently underwhelmed by every single screen adaptation of the storyline and characters, from Disney’s “The Sword in the Stone” to “Excalibur” in 1981.

“King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” does not exactly break that streak of disappointment. But it’s not quite a failure, either.

It doesn’t start well, that’s for certain. Opening on a battle scene that makes one long for the understated carnage of 2003’s “The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King,” this film is a confusing mess for the first several minutes.

It certainly shatters the usual charm of the source material, as director Guy Ritchie clearly intends to reimagine the myth in as gritty and occasionally overblown a fashion as in his “Sherlock Holmes”

Charlie Hunnam stars as Arthur in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ fantasy action adventure “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.” (Photo: Daniel Smith)

films.

The story naturally centers on the title character and his struggle to claim an inheritance he neither understands nor desires, due to having grown up well outside the comforts of the castle or even the influence of a kindly wizard. In a montage sequence of erratic, spedup images, we see young Arthur age into his roguish adult form (Charlie Hunnam, “The Lost City of Z,” “Pacific Rim”).

Here, the film settles into a proper rhythm that begins to make sense of the preceding scenes.

Arthur is tormented by dark night-

mares while, far away, wicked King Vortigern (Jude Law) fears the reappearance of the one who can draw the enchanted sword Excalibur from its tomb of stone.

As noted earlier, Ritchie is not at all interested in telling a story of the romantic, shining days of Camelot, nor of showing a goodhearted youth’s swift ascent to power. Instead, his Arthur is more akin to a Robin Hood figure, complete with robbing of the ill-mannered rich, though in the city rather than in the woods. There’s no Lady Guinevere or Merlin the wizard, just a strange melding of the two

characters in an unnamed female mage (Astrid Berges-Frisbey).

Mostly through this character, Ritchie emphasizes the dark magic aspects of the story, as in the wild but cryptic prologue and a pair of later scenes that aren’t fully explained. Frequently, Ritchie hurls story points at viewers and trusts we’re smart enough to keep up — or that the hero’s journey archetypes resonate strongly enough for us not to care about the finer points we missed.

The film itself is rather smart in its use of humor to tell some of what could have been duller parts of the movie, as when Arthur and company are being grilled by one of the authorities or making plans against their powerful adversaries.

It’s a device Ritchie occasionally employed to good effect in the irreverent “Sherlock” films, and it works better than one would think here as well.

Vortigern is mildly effective as the antagonist. Law plays him with cold menace rather than the scenery chewing glee that somewhat marred Charlize Theron’s turn as the heavy in 2012’s “Snow White and the Huntsman,” a similar take on a beloved classic story.

Where the movie shines for

me, aside from the humor, is in the sword. Part of the myth of the Arthurian fantasy is the sword Excalibur and the idea that possessing this weapon is part of what makes Camelot the ideal it is. The reason why has never fully come across in any previous adaptation of the story, so it’s gratifying to see that in this one, at last, in the frenetic visual style Ritchie likes using in fight scenes.

So back to that sense of disappointment. I still long to see a fine on-screen telling of the glory days of Camelot, with the derring-do of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table against the likes of sorceress Morgan Le Fey. “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” isn’t that movie at all. It’s the tale of proto-Arthur, of a boy who must face his tragic past and become a man. It’s “Batman Begins” but with the Pendragon in place of the DC superhero.

Perhaps a future outing may deliver on my boyhood wish. For now, I’ll take the Camelot I’ve got — one that’s part Robin Hood, part Lord of the Rings and all Guy Ritchie. A 2-star film in its first act, it manages 3-star status in its third and so overall splits the difference.

(Warner Brothers)

‘Snatched’ a Mother’s Day film that may not be fit for mom Snatched Snatched(R) (R) 2 outHHHH of 4 stars

Amy Schumer, left, and Goldie Hawn star in 20th Century Fox’s “Snatched.”

(Photo: Justina Mintz)

By Michael Clark Movie Critic

Being released on Mother’s Day weekend and heavily marketed as a mother/daughter bonding event, “Snatched” is a raunchy, ribald comedy that most people — meaning those with taste, decorum, basic respect and common sense — would NEVER see with their mother, grandmother, daughter or granddaughter. Unless you AND your mom swear like sailors, don’t mind hooking up with strangers in foreign countries and possess a shared high tolerance for base and guttural humor — stay away from this film.

This isn’t “Bridesmaids” or “Bad Moms” — movies depicting housewives or women of the same age cutting loose, getting hammered and talking trash. This is a hard R-rated movie containing nudity, murder, kidnapping, dozens of variations on the F-word, verbal and visual depictions of sexual and bodily waste functions, and two grown offspring taking their mother for granted

in multiple ways. The only times it is anything resembling funny is when the two female leads aren’t in frame.

The easiest way to determine if this is a go or no-go for you: Do you like or even appreciate the “comedy” of Amy Schumer? The niece of U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Schumer has built a career on scatological, esoteric humor via her eponymous Comedy Central TV show but these are concise six- to seven-minute sketch pieces. Almost all of her humor is self-depreciating but in “Snatched” it’s more self-pitying. Her character is obnoxious, lazy and oblivious to the feelings

of anyone but herself and has zero self-respect, although she masks it well. Is this somebody with whom you wish to spend time?

The movie opens with Emily (Schumer) strolling through a clothing store and talking at, not to, another woman about her upcoming vacation to Ecuador with her musician boyfriend, Michael (Randall Park in a brilliant one-off scene). In the space of two minutes, Emily gets fired and dumped and reluctantly visits the only person who can remotely tolerate her — her mother, Linda (Goldie Hawn).

In addition to Emily, Linda is the mother of Jef-

frey (Ike Barinholtz), an agoraphobic, basement-dwelling nerd. Suggesting Mark Wahlberg’s less attractive twin brother with bad teeth and a Harry Potter haircut, Jeffrey detests Emily — and the feeling is mutual — and he gives us the impression that the paranoid Linda puts up with both of them because their father — her ex — split the scene years ago. After a lot of tonguewagging and whining, Emily arm-twists Linda into taking Michael’s place on her trip and off to South America they go.

Once there, Emily all but ditches Linda and falls prey to the smooth talk and

stubble of a suave stranger (Tom Bateman), an adventurer sort who shows her a good (nonsexual) time and gets her to agree to a day trip the next day along with Linda. Things don’t go nearly as planned and an ambush results in the two women being kidnapped and held for ransom and/or possible white/sex slavery.

Again, does this sound like something you’d like to watch with your mom on Mother’s Day weekend? Or any other time? Ever?

Credited solely to writer Katie Dippold, the screenplay was overhauled in pre-production by Schumer and her sister, Kim Caramele, and it’s probably a safe bet that the finished product bears little to no resemblance to Dippold’s original script.

With each passing minute the story becomes increasingly more preposterous, implausible and cringeinducing.

This is the first film Hawn has appeared in since “The Banger Sisters” from 2002 and one she should have definitely passed on. In addition to being miscast for the role, Hawn looks bored and put-out for the duration.

It has been reported that the studio was not in favor of her casting and only agreed

after Schumer threatened to exit the production if Hawn wasn’t included.

The movie is not a total bust. Even if you don’t care for Schumer and can get past Hawn’s phoned-in rendering, there are a handful of standout performances. In addition to Park, there’s Christopher Meloni (“Law & Order SVU”) as a wouldbe “Indiana Jones” type of guy, Wanda Sykes and a silent Joan Cusack as implied lesbian lovers, and especially the deadpan Bashir Salahuddin as Russell, a U.S. State Department employee who shares the majority of his scenes with Barinholtz.

Quick and to the point, Russell is what we’ve come to expect from faceless government bureaucracy but puts an unexpected angry spin on it every time he speaks.

This is not one of those “bubble/on the fence” type of movies. “Snatched” is not without merit but it is certainly not what it is being marketed. If you cajole your mom — or daughter or any other female relative — into seeing it and they don’t talk to you for a month afterwards, well, that was a bad choice on your part. Consider yourself suitably and completely forewarned.

(Fox)

8C • FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

movies

Gere delivers top-notch performance in ‘Norman’ Norman (R) ★★★★

BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

In “Norman” (officially: “Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer”), Richard Gere delivers what is arguably the best performance in a long career consisting mostly of morally challenged pretty boys. From “Looking For Mr. Goodbar” and “Days of Heaven” to “An American Gigolo” and “An Officer and a Gentleman” to “Pretty Woman” and “Chicago,” Gere played variations of essentially the same guy — a soft-spoken and dashing bad boy many found impossible to resist.

It is because Gere is regarded by most as an acting lightweight that his work here is all the more impressive. Hiding behind bifocals, a bad haircut and an ill-fitting wardrobe, Gere’s Norman is a nebbish Jewish New Yorker, full of nervous ticks who is always on, eager to please and lacking in anything resembling the kind of political and financial clout he constantly tries to emanate.

Norman wants more than anything to fix situations that aren’t broken or introduce people he thinks would never meet each other if not for him. He talks a good game, and his borderline-abrasive enthusiasm goes far in getting his marks to believe in his sincerity. But when it comes to actually presenting what he promises, he always fails.

He’s not a con man as such, but rather a big dreamer looking to become a player.

But the only person he ever fully convinces of his modest talents is himself.

Norman catches a huge break when he “accidentally on purpose” strikes up a conversation on the street with Micha Eshel (Lior Ashkanazi), an up-andcoming Israeli politician who is impressed with Norman’s unrequited generosity. What kind of a person would buy a total stranger a pair of shoes costing over $1,000? During this fateful first meeting, Micha is certain Norman is looking for something in return but has nothing to offer besides a promise to attend a dinner party with some movers and shakers where he never arrives, and Norman ends up looking like a schmuck.

Again.

Although initially a bust, Norman’s good deed pays off years later at a state reception where Micha — now the prime minister of Israel — embraces him like a long lost brother. This impresses everyone in the room, including the host of that past dinner party.

Everyone starts to look at Norman through a different, far more positive lens.

Up until this point, New York-born Israeli writer/ director Joseph Cedar (“Beaufort,” “Footnote”) gives us something that suggests an odd hybrid of Martin Scorsese’s “The King of Comedy” and William Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice.” Norman is not the kind of person we would like to know, but Cedar and Gere lend him an unmistakable air of under-

From left, Norman Oppenheimer (Richard Gere) and Micha Eshel (Lior Ashkenazi) are seen in Sony Pictures Classics’ “Norman.” (Photo: Niko Tavernise, Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics)

dog appeal. We want his pain to end and find some measure of success, if not happiness, so maybe he can stop spinning his wheels and lying to everyone.

In the wake of his newfound perceived credibility, Norman gets what he’s always craved — the attention of important people who previously blew him off. The trouble is — and what Norman doesn’t recognize until it’s way too late — there are people who now view him as a real player and expect him to produce even more. What’s that phrase? Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.

The second half of the movie doesn’t work quite as well as the first, mostly because of Cedar’s decision to present a huge chunk of the narrative via cheesy, retro-level visual fantasy sequences that seriously throw off the believability factor.

Cedar regroups for the final act with his introduction of Srul Katz (Hank Azaria), Norman’s de facto doppelganger, who tails him in the same way Norman stalked Micha earlier.

We’re not sure if it’s real or imagined, but it succeeds in forcing Norman to reconsider the manner in which he has conducted himself

for so long.

A virtual household name in his native Israel, Ashkanazi will raise his American visibility with this subtle but deliberate interpretation of a politician who — like Norman — doesn’t know how to handle power once it’s handed to him. Micha is what everyone loathes about politics.

He’s a charmer with a powerful shtick, but is ultimately an empty suit full of hot air and unchecked greed.

Also contributing small but key roles are Josh Charles as the dinner party host, Michael Sheen as Norman’s meek and suspicious nephew, Steve

Buscemi as the rabbi at Norman’s synagogue and Charlotte Gainsbourg as an Israeli accountant who might have connections with her country’s secret service.

Even with the annoying fantasy passages, “Norman” is a worthy investment of your time and money and finally delivers Gere what Norman wants for the duration — industry credibility. It took a while, but Gere finally stopped relying on his looks, dug in deep and uncorked a stunning performance that had been lying dormant for far too many years.

(Sony Classics)

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Distinguished Citizens Benefiting individuals with intellectual disabilities and acquired brain injuries Ten community leaders are vying for your vote and the opportunity to pucker up and kiss a pig in support of comprehensive programs and services for men and women with intellectual disabilities and those that have experienced an acquired brain injury. Vote for your favorite candidate by making a tax-deductible donation to Annandale Village. Each dollar donated equals one vote. The candidate with the most votes received by “InHOGuration Day”, May 18, 2017, will be named the winner of the 2017 Kiss-A-Pig Campaign.

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